The concept of privilege is often tossed about by the social justice left to describe all the societal benefits certain groups reap, but maybe we should start talking about leftist privilege, because if this TMZ report is accurate, then we have definitive proof that social-justice-adherent leftist celebrities just enjoy more privilege than you.

According to TMZ, production sources for the show Empire, which stars recently shamed actor Jussie Smollett (for lying about being assaulted by two Trump supporters), will keep Smollett on, though his scenes will be slashed dramatically:

Production sources tell TMZ … Jussie was supposed to have 9 scenes and a big musical number in the second to the last episode — which is being shot now —  but, 5 of his scenes have been cut, and his musical number has been 86’d.

As for the remaining 4 scenes  … we’re told he’s no longer the focus. The scene features an ensemble, meaning he’s flanked by a number of cast members.

With his duties pared down, Jussie will be spending way less time on set. Instead of working every day this week, we’re told Jussie’s working Friday and possibly Thursday, and he won’t be rehearsing.

That Smollett may not be completely wiped from the show is no surprise, as Empire executive producer Brett Mahoney took to Twitter on Sunday to essentially side with Smollett, saying he believes and stands by him despite proof that Smollett has been lying all along.

I believe and stand by @JussieSmollett . Keep your head up. @EmpireWriters @EmpireFOX

— Brett Mahoney (@TheBrettMahoney) February 18, 2019

Keep in mind that this is the same Smollett who agreed to press charges on two innocent men before finding out that they were the two Nigerian brothers he hired to attack him. The same Smollett who lead an all-too-willing press on a malicious maligning campaign against Trump supporters.

This man will reportedly not be wiped from the television show that was gearing up to get rid of him completely.

Perhaps they’re slowly writing him off in order to save the writers too much work, but looking at incidents like that of Kevin Spacey — who apparently went too far, even for the left — that Smollett wasn’t just eliminated off screen is surprising, given the backlash he’s currently getting from the world.

Or perhaps not so surprising, given Smollett did, after all, attempt to target the right kind of people.

I mean hey, “at least he started a conversation.”

My eyes can’t roll hard enough.