Jussie Smollett is being cut from upcoming "Empire" episodes as the investigation into his alleged attack continues, according to Deadline.

Chicago police want to re-interview the singer and actor, who said he was brutally attacked on January 29 by two men who shouted homophobic and racial slurs.

Rumors circulated that he staged the attack because he was worried his character, Jamal Lyon, was being written out of the show.

On February 14, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment issued a statement strongly refuting that: "The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of 'Empire' is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him."

And on February 17, "Empire" executive producer Brett Mahoney tweeted, "I believe and stand by Jussie Smollett . Keep your head up."

Now it's being suggested that Smollett may have orchestrated the assault so that a threatening letter he'd received earlier would be taken more seriously.

Smollett is reportedly not being cut out of already filmed episodes, but being written out of scenes in upcoming eps.

Smollett and his reps haven't commented on these latest developments.

He told Essence on February 1, "I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served."

"Empire" returns on March 13 to finish out its fifth season.

[Via Deadline]