UPDATE: Jussie Smollett has been urgently removed from the reality competition show Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test due to a serious medical emergency, as revealed in the October 9 episode. Despite his determination to continue, medical staff deemed his condition too severe to allow him to compete safely.
The actor, known for his role in Empire, becomes the fourth celebrity to exit the current season of the show. Following a grueling physical challenge in the Moroccan desert, Smollett experienced intense coughing and breathing difficulties, prompting his co-stars to insist he seek medical attention. Initially hesitant, he ultimately agreed to be examined.
After evaluating Smollett, Dr. Andy Brown, the Chief Medical Officer, diagnosed him with significant inflammation throughout his chest. Although Smollett expressed resilience, stating, “There’s a fight in me. I know that now more than any other time in my life,” Dr. Brown indicated that Smollett had developed an allergy to something in the environment, noting, “His chest sounds horrendous.”
Citing concerns that his health could deteriorate further, Dr. Brown made the difficult decision to withdraw Smollett from the competition. The show’s director, Jason Fox, removed Smollett’s armband, explaining that the situation was “out of our hands.” Emotional and in tears, Smollett reflected on his struggles, saying, “There have been too many opportunities in my life to quit on things, on myself, and I don’t quit easily.”
This medical issue arose during a challenging task where recruits were tasked with tracking and extracting fallen comrades in a simulated war zone, a test that proved taxing for many, including fellow contestants Kody Brown, Gia Giudice, Andrew East, and Shawn Johnson.
Inspired by the British series SAS: Who Dares Wins, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test brings together 16 celebrities to tackle intense military-style challenges, pushing their physical and mental limits.
As news of Smollett’s exit spreads, fans and viewers will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and the ongoing competition. The implications of his withdrawal resonate beyond the show, highlighting the risks associated with extreme physical challenges.
Stay tuned for further developments on Jussie Smollett’s health and the remaining contestants in this high-stakes competition.