The shocking news that LaRoyce Hawkins will leave Chicago P.D. after more than a decade has left fans heartbroken, but now co-star Karen Obilom may have revealed an even more surprising detail.
After reports confirmed Hawkins will exit the NBC drama during Season 14, Obilom—who portrays Officer Tasha Fox—shared an emotional Instagram Story that has sparked speculation that the decision may not have been Hawkins’ choice.
Although she never directly blamed NBC or the show’s producers, her carefully worded response has fans convinced there is more to the story.
Karen Obilom’s Emotional Message Raises Questions
Obilom reposted a heartfelt message from a fan expressing disappointment over the end of Kevin Atwater and Tasha Fox’s relationship, affectionately known by viewers as “FoxWater.”
The fan wrote that Atwater and Fox represented a rare example of a healthy Black love story on television and criticized the decision to remove Hawkins before their relationship had the opportunity to fully develop.
In response, Obilom added her own message:
“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 in the horizon for our friend. #FoxWater4Ever.”
Fans Believe Production Made the Decision
While Obilom never explicitly stated that Hawkins was forced out, many viewers focused on one sentence:
“I sincerely wish things were different. We all do.”
That wording has led many fans to believe the cast may not have wanted Hawkins to leave and that the decision instead came from production or the network. Those interpretations remain speculation, as neither NBC, Wolf Entertainment, nor Hawkins has publicly confirmed why he is departing.
Why Fans Are So Upset
The timing has made Hawkins’ departure especially difficult for longtime viewers.
Season 13 spent months developing Kevin Atwater’s relationship with Officer Tasha Fox after the two reconnected as former police academy classmates.
Their romance quickly became one of the show’s most popular storylines.
After learning that Tasha was pregnant, many fans expected Season 14 to explore the couple’s journey into parenthood together instead of ending Atwater’s story.
LaRoyce Hawkins Will Return for a Final Goodbye
Despite leaving the series, Hawkins isn’t disappearing immediately.
According to multiple reports, the original cast member will return for the first few episodes of Chicago P.D. Season 14 to wrap up Kevin Atwater’s storyline before officially departing the series.
Hawkins has portrayed Kevin Atwater since the show’s 2014 premiere, making him one of the longest-serving members of the Intelligence Unit.
What Happens to FoxWater?
Because Atwater and Tasha’s relationship became one of the emotional centerpieces of Season 13, many viewers are wondering what Hawkins’ exit means for Fox.
NBC has not revealed exactly how Atwater’s departure will unfold.
However, fans have speculated that the pregnancy storyline and the possibility of relocating could be used to write both characters out together. No official plot details have been confirmed.
Social Media Rallies Behind LaRoyce Hawkins
Since news of Hawkins’ departure broke, social media has been flooded with messages thanking the actor for bringing Kevin Atwater to life over the past 13 seasons.
Many fans have also praised Obilom for publicly supporting her co-star, with her Instagram Story becoming one of the most talked-about reactions to the announcement.
For now, viewers are waiting to hear directly from Hawkins about his exit.
Until then, Obilom’s emotional message has only intensified speculation that one of Chicago P.D.’s most surprising departures may not have been entirely the actor’s decision.
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