Actors Jussie Smollett (who plays Jamal) and Yazz (Hakeem), Malik Yoba's co-stars on the FOX hit series "Empire," set the record straight about recent, allegations (supposedly from an anonymous source) attributing Yoba's exit from the show to a cocaine addiction.
The unfounded rumors were shot down as Smollett and Yazz appeared on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Monday, Monday March 23rd.
When asked if there was any truth to the rumor that Yoba was fired due to drug use Smollett replies,
"Absolutely not...every rumor that has been written about brother Malik is idiotic and stupid. That man is an upstanding man and we have nothing but love for him....Malik is cool, he's good people."
Yazz agrees stating, "I look up to Malik man, he's a phenomenal actor."
Speaking from the set of his new feature film "Paradox," Yoba is thankful for the support of his co-stars.
"I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Lee Daniels and the amazing group of cast and crew members on "Empire." I just want to put the rumors to rest and continue building on my body of work as an actor and focusing on my over two-decades of advocacy work helping to improve the lives of people and communities around the world. It is unfortunate that some individuals feel the need to spread lies and rumors for click-throughs, views and likes."
It would seem that Yoba is just one more victim who has fallen prey to the downside of social media, when inaccurate stories and outright lies go viral in the blink of an eye.
