Empire just took a huge ratings hit in its first episode back since star Jussie Smollett's arrest.
The Fox drama on Wednesday aired its midseason premiere after being off the air for three months. Smollett, who claimed in January he was the victim of a hate crime but has since been charged with disorderly conduct as police say he paid to stage the attack, was featured in the episode as usual, although he will be removed from the show later in the season.
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Smollett appeared in a Chicago court on Thursday to plead not guilty to the 16 counts against him. His next court appearance will take place on April 17.
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