Fox’s hit show Empire returned with Jussie Smollett this week, and fans went crazy given that in real life the actor faces 16 felony counts for an alleged hate crime hoax.

In the episode, his character Jamal ended his engagement when his fiancé, Kai, couldn’t agree with his family’s illegal actions, which he eventually had to address in the show.

“I don’t know if y’all been reading the blogs and all the foolishness, but it’s kinda been a tough week,” Jamal said in the show.

Of course, it was the irony of ironies. And fans erupted!

@EmpireFOX is now Dead to me, scum at the bottom of the cess pond #Empire

— santafe (@BBSPOILERS44K) March 14, 2019

You just tanked your career. Supposedly you fake the attack to get more money on #empire – #canyousaystupid

— Charlotte (@Lovetexassky) March 14, 2019

I really love the actors on #Empire and #Star but these storylines and poor writing may have me rethink my Wednesday night lineup 🤔

— Stephchapay (@scpayne221) March 14, 2019

When the tea was being spilled in the hospital #Empire pic.twitter.com/kln4UetT4l

— s (@samanthaivyyyy) March 14, 2019

Seeing Jussie breaks my heart 💔💔#Empire

— Abbie 🏳️‍🌈 (@AbbieLopez_98) March 14, 2019