Security on Fox’sEmpireset was beefed up prior to theviolent attackon starJussie Smollett.
The network confirms to PEOPLE that extra security was added after Fox Studios’ Chicago offices allegedly received a threatening homophobic letter addressed to the 35-year-old actor, who is gay, last week.TMZfirst reported the news.
A rep for Fox also confirmed thatEmpire’s shooting schedule will be reshuffled to accommodate his recovery. However, production was temporarily shut down on both of the network’s Chicago-based shows —EmpireandProven Innocent— due to severe weather. (The Illinois city is facing freezing temperatures and a polar vortex.)
Smollett’s rep has not responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
Empire.FOX/Getty
PEOPLE has reached out to the FBI for comment. The agency declined to comment to theSun-Times.
The Chicago Police Department confirmed in a statement Tuesday that a member of the hit Fox show was involved in a “racially-charged assault and battery.”
The statement added that the victim was treated at Northwestern Hospital and is in “good condition.”
Tasia Wells/Getty
Smollett told police his assailantsyelled racially charged and homophobic slursand President Donald Trump‘s slogan, “MAGA.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, Chicago Police confirmed that the victim — who has not been officially identified as Smollett — remembered his attackers calling out the “Make America Great Again” acronym.
Police added that “detectives are currently working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and establish an investigative timeline. The victim is fully cooperating with investigators.”
20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment released a statement Tuesday: “We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our EMPIRE family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. The entire studio, network and production stands united in the face or any despicable act of violence and hatred — and especially against one of our own.”
source: people.com
