Empire
EMPIRE'S Jussie Smollett, Lee Daniels & Ilene Chaiken Defend Jamal's Surprising Tryst!
Courtesy/FOX
If you caught Wednesday’s midseaon finale of Fox’s Empire, you know that it was revealed that Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Skye (Alicia Keys) hooked-up!
Yes, apparently off-camera the fictional duo hit the sheets! This move set many viewers aflame, because of the fact that Jamal is gay, so how come he would now turn to a woman? Series star Jussie Smollett and Empire creator Lee Daniels, both out in real life defended the story choice, as did executive producer, Ilene Chaiken.
There was even a moment in the midseason finale where Jamal’s homophobic father Lucious (Terrence Howard) is proud of the fact that it looks like Skye “changed” Jamal, which reinforces the notion still believed by some, that a gay man can turn straight for the right woman.
Jussie and Lee spoke to TV Insider on this controversial story point, where Daniels admitted: “I went into this hoping Jussie and I would not get backlash from our people. But I’m prepared for it. This is a topic that needs to be discussed, not just on Empire but also within the gay community and especially within the African-American community. I was able to get a lot off my chest with the Jamal-Skye relationship. Jussie and I both share the same feeling that, yes, even though we are gay, we’re sexual human beings. And we do occasionally want to sleep with a woman. [Laughs] Maybe once every 10 or 15 years, but it happens!”
Smollett says the connection with Skye was about intimacy more than sex relating: “These are two misunderstood people who connect when they create music together, something that happens all the time with artists. Skye and Jamal are brought together in a way the audience may not necessarily understand—and maybe it’s not for anybody to understand except for them. This may sound crazy, but I think Jamal’s thing with Skye is one of the most honest and pure relationships he’s had in a long, long time. He’s not getting anything close to that from men right now. Skye is an artist in a box who wants to break out of that box and no one understands that better than Jamal. They’ve both been labeled and that’s something they can bond over. Right now, they only have each other.” The talented actor/singer went on to say: “Jamal is a gay man having a bisexual experience. No one is saying he has fallen in love with Skye. But if you’re gonna go straight for anybody, it should be for the sexy and brilliant Alicia Keys. I mean, Bruh!”
Meanwhile series EP, Ilene Chaiken told TV Line if she was worried of the pushback by having Jamal sleep with a woman, to which she answered: “Yes and yes, Thematically, the conversations we love having on Empire are about identity, labels, fluidity. Those are core issues for us — and really interesting, provocative stories to tell. Plus, the story of gay identity has been told on television. We felt ready to push beyond, to talk about all of the nuances of experience and not be bound by the conventional script. And with the number of gay people involved in the creating and writing of this show, we talked about all of our experiences. There’s a spectrum of gay identity, behavior and attraction. And we wanted to talk about it in a provocative way based on experiences we all had. And Lee Daniels and Jussie Smollet come at it from certain points of view — and I’m very interested in hearing what actors have to say about the characters they play. There are gay men and gay women who, at least on occasion, have found themselves at least fleetingly attracted to someone of the opposite sex. And Lee and I have discussed how as artists, especially, when you’re creating. how exciting and sexual that can be. It felt like a great story to tell for Jamal — if he really connects with an artist who happens to be a woman, and they have this momentary spark — what could stop that from happening. And why shouldn’t we tell that story?”
So, what are your thoughts on the plotpoint: Do you see it plausible that Jamal and Skye slept together? Did you like the story beat? Did it not sit well with you? What did you think of the explanation of the shock value to the story beat from Smollett, Daniels, and Chaiken? Did you enjoy the midseason finale of Empire? What was your favorite moment in it, since it contained much more then this controversial story beat? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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“Empire” creator Lee Daniels has repeatedly referred to the series as his black version of the 80s prime time soap “Dynasty.” Perhaps this story line serves as further homage to the original, wherein token gay character Steven Carrington slept with far more women than men. However, doing so foolishly ignores all of the progress toward mainstream acceptance that LGBT Americans have made in the last 30 years. The Jamal/Skye story line feels dated, contrived, and like a bone thrown to the more homophobic elements of the hip hop audience, which is why I must call “BS” on the whole thing. As the second season of “Empire” progresses, I’m becoming more disenchanted with each ensuing episode.
Amen!!
DITTO
The message this “plot device” sends is that one woman can change a gay man. Even once. It is the wrong message. Of course the creator and actor in the series are going to defend the story point. If they don’t support it, they won’t be employed. I find it cowardly to say that every gay man will sleep with a woman if the “right” one presents themselves. Let’s be honest and admit that the average gay man does not want to get it on with a woman. No matter what the situation is. Don’t call it being “a sexual being”. Being sexual means you like to have sex with the person you’re attracted to. Don’t try to make it sound more honorable to screw around with a woman than a man. Mixed messages in this day and age are important to avoid. Youth watches these signals we are sending. The message sent is “it’s okay to be gay IF you occasionally do it with a woman”. I think that Empire is quickly running into a wall. The episodes get less enjoyable. I hope they can turn it around. Right now the ONLY reason I watch is for Tariji (Cookie). It is her skill and character portrayal that make the hour enjoyable.
I don’t think you REALLY watched or understood this episode, Mateo. It was about two PEOPLE connecting on more than just a physical attraction or preference.
There was no implication that he was suddenly not gay, that he no longer was attracted to men. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite, which is why he was flirting with the guy at the club. It was also apparent that Lucius WANTED this to be the miracle “cure” for his son…which only put a spotlight on how some people still don’t truly understand. It was evident that Jamal was disappointed in his father’s assumption by the backward glance he gave him. If that wasn’t enough, Jamal literally admitted to Alicia’a character he could never be as attracted to a woman as to a man.
So relax. No one’s negating Jamal’s sexuality. But being the sensitive, open, creative person he is, it was completely natural and beautiful to see him lead with his heart and creative soul in the moment. He was attracted to another human being…it wasn’t sensationalized or for shock value. Just the opposite.
See you on the GH board…
First of all DO NOT EVER tell me that I didn’t understand something. I understood it perfectly. I have seen this story point used on various other shows and it all means the same thing. That subtle message that says if you’re gay, it’s because you haven’t found the right woman to “turn” you. As a member of the gay community I hear many guys say they feel an attraction to different women for different reasons but it’s never on a sexual side. I won’t relax and sip the Kool-Aid like you are suggesting. It wasn’t completely natural and beautiful. It had nothing to do with his heart leading the way. There is this message subliminally sent that men only feel their hearts beat when a woman is at the heart of it. With men there is never the heart leading but another part of their anatomy. Jamal Lyons is a character I get that but as a beautiful, sensitive soul he could express that sensitivity in a way that doesn’t teach people that all gay men want a woman but haven’t found just the right one. It wasn’t shocking at all, it was expected. I have yet to see one television show yet that doesn’t try to intimate that eventually a gay man will settle with a woman and be that traditional family that includes a man and a woman. A family is not gender based. A family is a group of any people who come together in love, respect and dignity and treat each other with that said love. The message Empire sent is that a gay man isn’t really a gay, he is just experimenting until he “finds” himself. It’s not severe just yet. But look at what they have done with Jamal. They started him out with a boyfriend. They got him to settle into a home with that man and then they destroyed that relationship with adultery. Now Jamal is a “free” agent. So of course he is flirting with other men. But when he decides to get tender and sensitive and beautiful it is with some woman he just met. They can cover it any way they want to. They can say it wasn’t because Jamal isn’t gay any more. They can say they are exploring sexual fluidity. They can spin it any way they want. It’s working apparently because people drank the Kool-Aid and accept it as normal. I don’t and I never will because I know what it’s like to walk the walk that society hurls on those who are different.
Now noww…no need to shout. Lol…from your reaction I still think you misunderstood…misread…the dynamic of these two people…sharing a moment in time, and the writers intent. You’re one man…and if Jamal’s experience isn’t yours, that’s valid. But there are gay people who meet one or more people outside of their community that they’re drawn to. If happens with straight people too. Not ALL people.
Sorry you were so offended by the episode and my comment…but…my opinion stands.
And one more thing Mateo. You’ve taken a one night stand…which may turn out to be all it was…will be…to conclude that he’s found a woman to love and he’s going to wind up with her and suddenly realize he’s not gay. It was obvious he loved his boyfriend…probably still does. But we saw in earlier episodes Jamal didn’t feel like he understand his music or the business. You say gay men don’t lead with their heart but another part of their anatomy. Got news for you…straight men and women react to sexual attraction…chemistry…first thing too. But Jamal already knew of this singer, he was a fan, he was excited to be working with her, they connected, she’s gorgeous…it happened. This wasn’t pure lust…this was connection. The fact that you’re outraged he could connect with a woman no matter the situation makes you the close minded one…
And, I don’t need a lecture on what a family is comprised of. Lol..you are way too defensive and have these two characters sharing a house and a white picket fence.
Yes…there was infidelity between Jamal and his boyfriend…and Cookie and Lucius, Lucius and Anika , Andre wanted to sleep with Jennifer Hudson’s character, Hakeem has gone from woman to woman…my point is they’re not representing gay relationships poorly. They’ve got everyone playing musical beds. Jamal is incredible…true to himself but a creative who thrives inp expression, creation ans honesty. I’d say he’s a pretty great representative of the community you’re so offended for.
It’s a whirlwind of emotions…good, bad and ugly.
@Mateo
I still don’t get how acknowledging sexual fluidity is “spin”. Like it or not, some gay people find themselves attracted to someone of the opposite sex and some straight people find themselves attracted to someone of the same sex. Sexuality is a continuum. Not all straight people are 100% straight and not all gay people are 100% gay. Bisexuality is real and does exist. Biphobia is just as bad a homophobia.
Jamal is not bi. He is GAY. Don’t start some biphobia discussion in this thread. To Mateo’s point, no gay man confident in his own skin, suddenly hooks up with a woman. My season pass for Empire has been cancelled.
You don’t know for sure if he is bi or not. You can’t determine someone’s sexual identity for them or how they want to identify themselves. Besides what does it mean to be bisexual? Does it only include people who are equally attracted to both sexes? What about people who are mostly attracted to members of the opposite sex but occasionally are attracted to members of the same sex? Someone like Angelina Jolie, is she straight or bisexual? Or someone like Lee Daniels who is mostly attracted to other men but on occasionally sexually attracted to women? Is he gay or bisexual? The fact is anyone who studies human sexuality will tell you that it is much more complex than a simple gay/straight dichotomy. I’m not making this up, look up the research on human sexuality. I’m glad that for once a show is presenting sexuality in all its complexity instead of being simplistic, and in my personal experience unrealistic, about it.
I say go for it! Why the heck not?
This is always the case with women who are supposed to be straight, and then they end up hooking up with women. But that is supposed to be “sexy,” right? They’re just experimenting, right?
So, why can’t a man be gay, and then turn around and sleep with a woman? Why isn’t that just as “sexy”? Why isn’t he encouraged to “just experiment” as well?
So, when a gay man does this back and forth, it’s supposed to be appalling and insulting to the gay community. BUT when a woman does the back and forth, it’s what? Let me guess… sexy. Gimme a break.
Not surprised.
Soap writers always seem to think that every gay man (Dynasty’s Steven Carrington, OLTL’s Oliver Fish, DOOL’s Will Horton) ends up in bed with a woman at some point in his life (we don’t) yet NEVER consider having their straight male characters experiment with same sex interactions (Y&R’s Adam Newman/Rafe Torres fling being the sole exception). I suppose the former situations are to make gay men more palatable to the mainstream and the lack of the latter is so that straight male characters are seen as real men.
EMPIRE has definitely hit its sophomore slump and needs to branch out in its storytelling (not every plot has to be music related) and stop stunt casting so that stories can play out over the course of several episodes instead of being rushed to meet the availability of this week’s guest star. As for the plot point, it rings false to me as a gay man and smacks of desperation to keep people talking over the winter break.
I’m insulted and honestly turned-off right now by this show, and how it’s handling Jamal’s sexuality. It’s insulting and it reinforces the belief that being gay is a “choice”, which it is not.
It spooooo does not imply that. What IS a choice is to love or make love with any person that you feel connected to at a particular moment in your life. Freedom of choice doesn’t mean you choose to be straight or gay…just means we’re all free to connect with anyone of a different race, religion, age, gender…if we feel the connection even in spite of or lack of the “desired preferences.”
This is wicked crazy because over a month ago I posted on blog about this very thing. I wanted to understand why it was acceptable in the homosexual community for a heterosexual to dip into the homosexual life but they get all bent out of shape if a homosexual dips into the heterosexual life. People are wired differently rather your gay, bi, tri or straight. It’s ridiculous to assume what Daniels did takes away from what LGBT have achieved and still achieving in the 21st Century. IMO this has nothing to do with someone’s choice of sexuality but more to someone acting on feelings and attraction in that moment.
I agree! Bisexuality is real. People complain about homophobia but it seems that biphobia is also a major issue as well. Its sad that some people believe that denying bisexuality as a part of the human sexual experience is the only way to end discrimination against gays. No one gets ahead by being in denial.
I’m a straight, white woman, older than Jessie Smolett, and totally attracted to him. Sexuality IS fluid…and connecting to another human being can cause a spark which might not have ignited on physical attraction alone. I found Jamal and Alicia Keys character connection from the beginning and thought they were great together. The way they bonded over the lyrics to the song as they sang together, the shared, meaningful glances…incredible chemistry! Totally plausible. In that moment they weren’t defined preferences, they were two human beings feeling their connection. When he wrapped himself around her during rehearsal, drawing nearer, sweeping back her hair…lol…you could feel the heat. Ahem. Can someone open a window? Lol…loved it!
It seems that some in the gay community feel insecure about their identity as gay people. Sexuality is fluid. Bisexual people exist and are real. I don’t see this need to pretend that bisexuality does not exist in the gay and straight communities.
I honestly took Jamal and Skye’s “romance” as Jamal living out a childhood fantasy. The character – Jamal said he grew as a superfan of the Skye Summers character and I think at that young age, sexuality isn’t a factor. I think Jamal is attracted to the persona that he sees in Skye, and it just so happens that she’s a woman. I honestly think he is FAR from straight or bisexual, he just seems to be living out a fantasy.
And I honestly can’t speak on this subject because I’m not a gay man. However, I trust Lee Daniels to touch on the subject because I’ve actually witnessed how he interacts with female friends and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he admitted to being interested in a particular woman.
By the looks of many comments in this thread and elsewhere at this site, many gay men would love to have the “B” taken out of the LGBT or do they think the “B” stands for Bitches?
I am a gay guy……i like guys bt dat dosent mean am nt smtimes attracted to women…….the gay community has looked into jamal loved life and maybe dey felt hope through it and now that he kissed skye,everyone is condeming the show….no one knows whether jamal maybe gay or bisexual either way when I was wathching the episode….I saw two people connectin tru music…..jamal has had his up and down with men
None of dem bein able to understand him when it came to music bt when he was singing with skye,he forgot whether he was gay or not and maybe for the first time felt smtin he may have neva felt before but am sayin it is love just smtin…..so am nt one of those gay’s dat becos a character who act as a gay kiss a girl,I would start hatin empire……let just see how it goes,it may nt even work btw dem…so peace
Breaking News
‘Empire’ Will End Its Run After Upcoming Sixth Season
Breaking News
EMPIRE Renewed For Sixth Season; Jussie Smollett Future With Show Uncertain, But ‘No Plans” For Jamal To Return
Empire
Now That ‘Empire’s’ Jamal Lyon Tied The Knot, What is Jussie Smollett’s Future With The Show? Cast Sends Letter Of Support
Looks like the writers and producers of Empire found a way to write out the character of Jamal Lyon permanently, or leave the door open if decisions are made to keep actor/singer Jussie Smollett (Jamal) on the series following his trouble with the law in Chicago stemming from faking a hate crime. A crime that he had all charges dropped against him which has been shrouded in controversy, and has been a lightning rod on social media and the news.
On Wednesday night’s Empire, Jamal married Kai (Toby Onwumere) with Chaka Khan performing at the nuptials in an emotional episode. Even with the momentous TV occasion to see two gay black men getting hitched on network television, it was unfortunately overshadowed by all the behind the scenes drama. For this season, Wednesday marked final episode for Smollett, who was cut out of the upcoming final two episodes of the season. In story, the characters are sure to be on their honeymoon, and they could eventually wind up living in Europe, which would keep Jamal off the canvas.
The Fox network and creative personnel at Empire will need to make a decision on Smollett’s future. While Empire had not received its renewal pick-up, its fairly certain it will live on to see another season Meanwhile, the cast of Empire penned a letter asking Fox to bring Jussie back to the series.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Here is how it read:
Dear Charlie, Dana, Michael, Lee, Danny, Francie, Brian, Sanaa, Dennis, and Brett,
Together, as a united front, we stand with Jussie Smollett and ask that our co-star, brother and friend be brought back for our sixth season of Empire.
We understand the past months have been difficult to process—sometimes the headlines brought more confusion than clarity, yet we now have a conclusion to this ordeal. Throughout Empire’s five seasons working with Jussie and watching how he has conducted himself throughout this traumatic event, we have come to know not just the character Jussie portrays, but also truly come to know Jussie’s personal character. He is kind. He is compassionate. He is honest and above all he is filled with integrity. He is also innocent and no longer subject to legal uncertainty with the criminal charges against him having been dropped. We are confident in his lawyer’s assurance that the case was dismissed because it would not have prevailed.
Jussie has shown us on and off the set who he really is as a leader. In addition to being a caring friend and cast member who treats every crew member with love and respect, he has spent time with our families and individually supported each of us. These recent and detailed letters from The Black AIDS Institute, the Rainbow Push Coalition and the City Lights Orchestra shine a light on his commitment to true community service. Just a few months ago, Jussie partnered with the Trevor Project to provide support to their volunteer program that allows LGBTQ youth in crisis access to vital counseling services. Prior to that, he gave every cent from his sold out world tour to numerous charities. He has adopted a school in Chicago, taught songwriting to incarcerated youth at the Cook County Jail last year and bought the family of Kayden Kinckle, a six-year-old, double amputee, a wheelchair accessible van due to his school district not having a wheelchair accessible school bus. He has traveled to South Africa for service as well as to Jamaica to quietly meet about the safety of LGBTQ youth. This was all done without posturing, the need for attention or even discussion.
This is the Jussie we know.
It’s clearer every day that the extreme political climate in our country has only made our system of justice and the court of public opinion more unjust.
It is why now, more than ever, we must stand together as a family. A family is there for us in good times and bad. It can cut through the noise and confusion to understand that there is a person in the center of all this who deserves nothing more than to move forward with his life. We understand that this show is a business. And that business matters to us as well. We are confident our fans will welcome our “Jamal” back into the Empire family as enthusiastically as we will.
That is why we write today to ask you to keep Jussie on the cast so that we can all put this behind us and move forward. Thank you for taking time to hear us. It’s our hope that together we will move into our sixth season as the entire Empire family should.
SINCERELY,
Terrence Howard
Taraji P Henson
Bryshere Y. Gray
Trai Byers
Gabourey Sidibe
Nicole Ari Parker
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