Jussie Smollett reportedly turned down extra security after receiving a threatening letter days before he was attacked

TMZ

TMZ reports that security around Empire's Chicago set was heightened after Smollett received a threatening, homophobic letter last week. "We're told Fox made the call to beef up security for everyone on set and wanted to give Jussie additional protection around the clock ... but, he declined," TMZ reports. "Our sources say he made the decision to not have extra security during off-hours because it was an intrusive way of living." ALSO: Kevin Hart hit with backlash for expressing support for Smollett on Instagram following his homophobic joke controversy.