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Georgia Entertainment Scene

Jussie Smollett visits Macy's for SeanJohn, talks about avoiding tabloids, embracing 'Empire'

Jussie Smollett of "Empire" and I talk at Macy's about his work with SeanJohn and (of course) "Empire." CREDIT: Helen Kim Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

Jussie Smollett of "Empire" and I talk at Macy's about his work with SeanJohn and (of course) "Empire." CREDIT: Helen Kim Ho

Nov 16, 2015

By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed November 16, 2015

Jussie Smollett of "Empire" fame came to Atlanta for a raucous meet and greet with fans at Macy's Lenox Square Saturday. He came to represent the SeanJohn fall line.

He told the crowd he flew in from Chicago, where "Empire" is shot in time for his very first visit to a Waffle House. But the actor's need to stay thin prevailed. He avoided anything smothered, covered or chunked. Instead, he said he ordered a grilled chicken salad ($5.95). Clearly, he needs a lesson in Waffle House eatin'!

Smollett also donated $5,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta, matching a SeanJohn contribution of the same amount.

We got to spend a few minutes talking to him about SeanJohn, how important his role as a gay man in the music world is for other gay folks and whether his character Jamal really had what it took to run Lyon Empire while Lucious was in prison.

Credit: Rodney Ho

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Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

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Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

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Credit: Rodney Ho

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