'Empire' Studio Says it's Weighing its Options in Wake of Smollett Case

The studio behind the hit television show "Empire" says it is "evaluating the situation" regarding the charges against actor Jussie Smollett and is "considering our options."

20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment issued a statement Thursday saying, "We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options."

Smollett surrendered Thursday on a charge of felony disorder conduct.

Police say the actor, who is black and gay, hired the two brothers, who are also black, to stage what the actor reported was a racist and homophobic attack against him early on Jan. 29 in downtown Chicago. Johnson alleges that the reported attack was a "publicity stunt" that Smollett concocted because he was unhappy about his salary.

Police said the brothers aren't considered suspects, but they didn't elaborate.