Jussie Smollett will be back on Empire, according to Taraji P. Henson

With Jussie Smollett’s legal troubles possibly behind him, the Empire star will be back on the Fox series — at least according to Taraji P. Henson.

The actress, who plays Smollett’s mother on Empire, appeared on Thursday’s episode of The View, where she was asked if she had spoken with Smollett since the charges related to his alleged false report of an attack against him were dropped.

“I talk to Jussie all the time,” she replied. “He’s doing well. We’re all doing well. The show is doing well.”

And while the series has not yet been officially renewed for a sixth season, Henson talked about it as if it was a certainty. When asked if Smollett, who was previously removed from the final two episodes of the current season, would return, Henson answered, “Yes. I haven’t heard anything else,” before appearing to maybe walk that back by adding, “I haven’t heard anything.”

Fox tells EW it has no comment on the matter.

Last month, EW exclusively spoke to Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney before the charges were dropped against Smollett and he said it was “too early to think about the show without him.”

Empire airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

Related content:

• Empire star Gabourey Sidibe opens up about directing that ‘gigantic’ episode
• Exclusive: Empire boss on the show’s return, ‘difficult decision’ to sideline Jussie Smollett
• Everything we know about the Jussie Smollett case