‘Chicago P.D.’ Director Eriq La Salle Steps Down: ‘It Was a Very Difficult Decision’

Eriq La Salle is saying goodbye to Chicago P.D.

The Hollywood veteran, who served as a director and executive producer on the NBC series, shared the news on Instagram Wednesday.

“This post is somewhat bittersweet. Tonight’s episode is truly one of the finest hours of television I’ve had the honor of directing and it is also my final episode as I’ve decided to retire as executive producer and director from Chicago P.D.,” La Salle began. “It was a very difficult decision because this has been not just an amazing job but truly one of the greatest highlights of my career.”

Wednesday night’s episode centered on a White police officer who fatally shot a Black college student during a traffic stop, sparking a wave of anger and ensuing bloodshed.

La Salle included a gallery of photos from the set and praised the show’s cast.

The actor, director and producer added that he has a development deal with NBCUniversal and Chicago P.D. co-creator Dick Wolf, and will develop his own shows. He’ll additionally be releasing the third novel in his crime/thriller trilogy.

La Salle previously had roles in the 1988 film Coming to America, and on the television shows ER and Under the Dome. He joined Chicago P.D. in 2016.

Read Eriq La Salle’s full statement:
“This post is somewhat bittersweet. Tonight’s episode is truly one of the finest hours of television I’ve had the honor of directing and it is also my final episode as I’ve decided to retire as Executive Producer and Director from Chicago PD. It was a very difficult decision because this has been not just an amazing job but truly one of the greatest highlights of my career. Some of my proudest moments in this industry have been during my tenure on this show and being allowed to tell the types of stories we’ve been able to tell.

Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with some opportunities that I definitely felt I needed to pursue including a deal to develop and create my own shows as well as completing and releasing the third novel in the crime/thriller trilogy that I’ve been publishing the last few years. @wolfentertainment and @nbcuniversal have been nothing short of incredible and I’m so happy and proud that I will continue to work with them through my development deal.

To the cast, crew and writers who are some of the most talented, hard working and coolest group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, I thank each and every one of you for your dedication, respect of craft and fostering an atmosphere that allowed us to become a surrogate family. Thank you for your contributions and collaboration. Thank you most of all for helping me to become a better director and storyteller.

Thank you to the fans of the show and those that have continually encouraged us by supporting and showing such appreciation for our tireless efforts and love of labor. Thank you for holding us to higher standards. To all that have been a part of this awesome journey I thank you. I miss you already.”