Jussie Smollett has been fired from "Empire" cast

The executive producers of the hit TV show, including Lee Daniels, issued a statement Friday morning saying they have decided to remove Smollett’s character, Jamal, from the last two episodes of the season.

While the producers claimed to “care deeply” about Smollett, they called the allegations against him “very disturbing and said they wanted to avoid “further disruption” on set.

Jussie Smollett had returned to the set of Fox’s “Empire” on Thursday. But filming had to be put on hold because it was obvious that the actor had been heavily crying, sources told TMZ.

At one point, Smollett managed to pull himself together and address the cast and crew, according to a number of reports.

“I’m sorry I’ve put you all through this and not answered any calls. I wanted to say I’m sorry and, you know me, I would never do this to any of you, you are my family,” Smollett said. “I swear to God, I did not do this.”

Smollett turned himself over to police Thursday on a felony charge of filing a false police report. Chicago police, a judge, and President Donald Trump took turns publicly lambasting Smollett for allegedly orchestrating a fake racist attack against himself and sending himself a racist latter as a “publicity stunt.” According to police, the actor was dissatisfied with the salary he was making on “Empire” and wanted more attention.

He was later released on $100,000 bail.

Smollett’s castmates are reportedly divided in their feelings toward him. Many actors are “fucking furious” at Smollett for betraying their trust and damaging the show’s image, TMZ said. Several had reportedly wanted him to quit or be fired.

On the other hand, some actors have stood with the actor.

In a since-deleted Instagram post Wednesday, Smollett’s “Empire” costar Gabby Sidibe said: “I know him, I believe him, I stand with him. #jussiesmollett.” She also cited a Malcom X’s quote warning that the media oppresses black people.

“This is the media, an irresponsible media. It will make the criminal look like he’s the victim and the victim look like he’s the criminal,” the quote reads. “If you aren’t careful, the media, the media will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”