Smollett\'s character cut from \'Empire\' episodes

Actor Jussie Smollett's character has been cut from the final two episodes of Fox's hip-hop TV drama 'Empire." The show's creator says the decision was made to quote, "avoid further disruption on set." A media frenzy has followed Smollett since he was arrested and charged with staging a hoax hate crime attack on himself.

Police say the openly-gay actor paid two brothers $3,500 to beat him up in a staged racist and homophobic attack… alleging the perpetrators put a noose around his neck.

All of this, police say, because Smollett was unhappy with his salary on 'Empire'.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPERINTENDENT OF CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT EDDIE T.

JOHNSON, SAYING: "This announcement today recognizes that Empire actor Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.

I'm left hanging my head and asking why.

Why would anyone especially an African American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations." Police did not specify how the 36-year-old actor had hoped to boost his salary by staging such a hoax.

Smollett says he's innocent....but if convicted, could face one to three years in prison.