Is Jamal Lyon Dead? How Jussie Smollett May Remain On ‘Empire’ While His Character's Fate Is Uncertain

Empire fans are likely still reeling after Wednesday’s episode , where Jamal Lyon was shot by Freda Gatz after having his father, Lucious, wish death on him from AIDS. Currently, viewers don’t know Jamal’s fate. It’s highly likely that he is dead; however, new details have surfaced that suggest otherwise.

After Season 2 episode 17, called “Rise By Sin” aired on the West Coast, Smollett sent out a tweet, which suggested he could be leaving the show. “I've thoroughly enjoyed my time w/ @EmpireFOX. I love you all. Truth. Time 2 make a record & some movies. #Empire _,” the tweet read.

However, Entertainment Weekly reported Thursday that actor Jussie Smollett is still has a contract with Empire and is not leaving the show.

So what’s going on? Is Jamal Lyon dead? Will Jussie Smollett soon be out of a job? There is a possibility Smollett is simply taking a break from Empire to focus on other projects and may return at a later date.

iDigitalTimes noted that Jamal/Jussie Smollett was not featured in either the preview or first look videos for the Empire Season 2 finale, which airs next Wednesday on Fox. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Jamal isn’t around. If he is recovering from his gunshot injury, he may just in the hospital -- possibly unconscious -- and may not get much screen time.

Or, perhaps, Jamal intends to get away from his family, Lucious in particular. Prior to the shooting, he told Freda Gatz she could leave Empire Records, indicating he was planning to do the same. Jamal could continue with his venture to separate himself from his family.

While Jamal is in surgery, Lucious expressed remorse for what he said to him. However, it is possible Jamal may not be very forgiving of his father. The two have gotten in fights before; however, even Jamal expressed to Cookie that both said things that are very hard to come back from.

Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EDT on Fox.