Empire made television history Wednesday night. The Fox drama depicted network television’s first Black, gay wedding with two male characters, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Kai (Toby Onwumere).
Star Gabourey Sidibe noted the groundbreaking moment on Twitter:
Tonight, #Empire will give life to a monumental love story by marrying 2 Black, gay men for the first time in television history. Please join us in celebration until it’s no longer a phenomenon to see 2 people of the same sex and race love each other proudly, on prime time TV.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) April 24, 2019
This episode serves as the final season appearance for Jussie Smollett, who was written out of the final two episodes of the season. We find out in the episode that his exit is explained by the characters’ honeymoon.
If Smollett does not return to the show in season six, this very well may have been his last appearance on the show. But if his Empire cast members have anything to say about it, Smollett will be back. They penned a letter to the Empire bosses and Fox execs, asking that Smollett be brought back for season 6.
Watch a clip from the landmark episode below:
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Photo: Fox
