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Do NOT ask Taraji P. Henson about the Jussie Smollett scandal

Word to the wise: Do NOT ask Taraji P. Henson about the Jussie Smollet scandal. Unless, of course, you want to piss her off.

The actress recently sat down with Extra’s Renee Bargh to talk about her new film “The Best of Enemies” where she was joined by her co-star Sam Rockwell.

Right off the bat, Bargh asks Henson about her “Empire” co-star Jussie Smollett, who recently pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct against him.

Related: “Empire” ratings fall through the floor following Jussie Smollett scandal

“Um, you just have to say strong,” Henson replies, keeping her arms folded across her chest and clearly not interested in talking about it.

“And you have to stay positive,” she adds, “full of hope.”

When Bargh asks how the rest of the “Empire” cast is handling the situation, Henson cuts her off by simply saying “Strong,” then shakes her head as if to signal she’s D-O-N-E done answering questions about it.

Related: Jussie Smollett just filed his plea in alleged hate crime hoax

Bargh took the hint and quickly moved on to discuss other things, including Henson’s upcoming wedding and, oh yeah, that movie she’s supposed to be promoting.

“It shows you that hate is taught and love always wins,” she says of the film.

Since the Smollett scandal broke, producers deleted his scenes from the remainder of the season, and there have been rumors that his role will be recast. If the show survives, that is. Ratings have fallen by double digits, down nearly 30 percent.

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