Fox Releases Statement Following Jussie Smollett Arrest

Twentieth Century Fox is considering its options in the wake of Empire star Jussie Smollett's arrest for disorderly conduct and filing a false police report.

"We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options," read a statement released by representatives from the company on Thursday.

Jussie Smollett Arrested As Police Reveal Alleged Motive

Smollett was arrested and charged Thursday after Chicago police revealed the alleged assault he had reported last month was a purported hoax. According to police, Smollett, who stars as Jamal Lyon on Empire, was reportedly unhappy with his salary on the Fox series. At the time, Smollett claimed he was attacked by two men who wore masks and shouted "MAGA country" -- a reference to President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again." The attackers, per Smollett, shouted racial and homophobic slurs at the actor and put a noose around his neck.

"Why would anyone -- especially an African-American man -- use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?" Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said on Thursday during a press conference. "How could someone look at the hatred and suffering associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to manipulate that symbol to further his own public profile?"

Jussie Smollett

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Smollett and his attorneys have remained steadfast in claiming the star did nothing wrong. "Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked," Smollett's lawyers said late Wednesday. "Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense."

Police allege Smollett paid two brothers $3500 to stage the attack.

Fox, for its part, has stood by Smollett throughout the investigation. "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 of any despicable act of violence and hate -- and especially against one of our own," the company said the day Smollett's alleged assault was revealed.

As the investigation moved forward, it was rumored Smollett potentially orchestrated the attack because he was being written off the show, another claim Fox swiftly debunked. "The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him," the company said.

This week, after it was revealed Fox had cut Smollett's scenes down in an upcoming Empire episode, the network again stood by its star. "Jussie Smollett continues to be a consummate professional on set and as we have previously stated, he is not being written out of the show."

If convicted of the felony, Smollett faces up to three years in prison.

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