Chicago P.D. star’s cryptic post fuels theory about why LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving

As one of the main characters of Chicago P.D. since it first dropped in 2014, news of LaRoyce Hawkins’ exit is shocking to say the least. And a new post from his co-star may give further insight into why the Kevin Atwater star is reportedly leaving. 

Throughout NBC’s One Chicago series, Hawkins’ Atwater has grown from a patrol officer into one of the Intelligence Unit’s most respected detectives (and a fan fave among viewers), having appeared in over 200 episodes throughout the show’s 13-season run. 

It’s one of the reasons everyone’s so shocked about the recent news: sources told Deadline that Hawkins is due to exit the show in the upcoming season 14, wrapping up Atwater’s storyline in the first two or three episodes. 

They also said the show is now seeking a “Black cop who is an agent of chaos” as a new series regular. 

It’s worth noting that the One Chicago production company, Wolf Entertainment, hasn’t responded to the claims – but for now, fans have been left asking one question: why?

Chicago P.D. star posts emotional message about LaRoyce Hawkins exit

Karen Obilom, who plays Detective Tasha Fox on Chicago P.D., has shared an emotional Instagram Story following the reports. While she doesn’t reveal why Hawkins is leaving, she appears to suggest the decision was out of their hands. 

Obilom joined the show in season 13 as an old friend of Atwater from their police academy days. After being partnered up, they formed a close bond that turned into romance, earning them the ship name “Foxwater”. 

It’s one of the storylines many fans were looking forward to being explored further in season 14, which premieres in October this year – and it seems Obilom is just as upset about the news. 

In her latest Instagram Story, she shared a photo of the pair alongside a fan comment which reads, “I’m so mad as a fan of #Foxwater. You as Tasha Fox and Kevin Atwater were something special. The chemistry, the slow build, the respect, the possibility… it gave so many of us something to root for. 

“We don’t get enough healthy, genuine Black love stories on TV, and every time it feels like we finally have one, it gets ripped away. This is some BS!!! I’m trying not to crash out, but I’m so tired of seeing positive Black representation constantly disrupted. 

“It feels like every time we invest in these characters and their stories, they’re taken from us before they get the chance to fully blossom.

“And now them removing LaRoyce… man, that hurts my soul. He’s been the heart of that world for so many fans. His character meant something, and watching this unfold is genuinely disappointing.”

They finished, “I know TV is a business, but as a fan, this one stings. #Foxwater deserved better, and so did we.”

Obilom added her own comment underneath, writing, “Thank you for always supporting. I didn’t think it’d hit me this hard. But LaRoyce is such a class act and I sincerely wish things were different. We all do. But this means better things are on the horizon for our friend! FoxWater 4Ever.”

The most notable part of her statement is the line, “I sincerely wish things were different. We all do.” 

That wording has led to speculation that the decision wasn’t one the cast wanted, although she doesn’t explicitly say whether Hawkins chose to leave or whether it was the network’s decision. 

Taking to Reddit, one fan shared Obilom’s post and said, “Looks like it was a network/show decision smh,” to which another replied, “If the budget is this bad I wish they would cut Torres and Imani instead.”

A third added, “That’s kinda crazy that it’d be him they let go if it comes down to budgeting. He’s an OG and the only black character on the show. After Toya Turner last year, I didn’t expect LaRoyce to be let go like that, especially when Kevin had a lot more to give.”

Some have been left worrying about the show’s future, including this person who said, “With all the budget cuts I feel like this show only has two more seasons left at most.”

As said, none of this is confirmed at the time of writing. Film Shrine has contacted Wolf Entertainment for comment. 

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Featured image credit: NBC/Instagram/@karenobilom