"Empire" cast members Trai Byers, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, directors Lee Daniels and Danny Strong take part in Fox Broadcasting Company's part of the TCA Winter 2015 presentations. (Photo : Reuters/Kevork Djansezian)
Addressing the seventh annual "Produced By" conference, Fox TV show "Empire" executive producer and writer Lee Daniels was among a panel who told a gathering in Los Angeles that he has been the target of death threats.
The panel at the conference comprised co-creator and writer Danny Strong, executive producer of the show Brian Gazer, producer Francie Calfo and Ilene Chaiken, according to ET Online.
The controversial "Empire" plot line which depicts an African American man who is gay in the hip-hop industry has created tension among viewers, Daniels claimed at the event.
He was quoted as telling attendees at the conference that homophobia is not a myth and that he and actor Jussie Smollett receive frequent death threats.
On the hit TV show Smollett plays the character of Jamal Lyon, a young man who is gay and is also the son of mogul Lucious Lyon played by Terrance Howard.
The father-son relationship is a strained one owing to Smollett's character being gay.
The creators who spoke openly about the show said they were not afraid to "challenge the rules," especially when story lines called for the addressing of social issues such as homophobia, according to Deadline.
Speaking on behalf of the panel, executive producer Danny Strong said it was the intention of the show to merge issues of social justice into the plot lines of the hit series, while giving the voiceless in society an opportunity to be heard.
Despite the threats, Daniels said he will not be dissuaded but will remain resolute in his outlook to take on issues of social concern throughout the show. He told the audience, "We will continue to do our thing."
"Empire" season 1 ended in March to critical acclaim. The Fox TV series is set for another season which will premiere on Sept. 23.
