Terrence Howard sues talent agency, alleging fraud in ‘Empire’ salary negotiations
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Actor Terrence Howard has filed a lawsuit against Creative Artists Agency LLC, claiming that the talent agency fraudulently convinced him to accept a lower salary for his role on the hit television show “Empire.”
In the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit, Howard alleges that CAA placed their own financial interests and those of the production companies they represented ahead of his own. The suit claims that Howard was unaware of the conflicts of interest CAA faced, and that the agency failed in its duties to represent him properly.
Attorney James Bryant, representing Howard, stated, “This is a man who was the lead actor to, once again, one of the most successful television shows in network history where Fox was making over $125 million a year in just ad revenue alone. This man was being underpaid time and time again.”
Howard, speaking at a news conference on Friday, expressed his disappointment with the agency, stating, “I trusted CAA to look after me, and they looked after themselves. I can’t say that this was a racial issue, but I cannot imagine that white actors that are comparable to the numbers and accolades and the world recognition that I have. I can’t imagine that CAA would allow them to be misused and treated in the way that they allowed Fox to misuse me, or to be paid the way that I was paid.”
The actor, known for his roles in films like “Crash” and “Hustle & Flow,” is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. CAA has not responded to requests for a statement at this time.
“Empire” had a debut pilot that reached nearly 10 million viewers, marking Fox’s highest rated debut in three years, and the lawsuit states that the show was an instant success, exceeding the network’s viewership expectations and receiving critical praise.
The lawsuit does not include a specific amount for damages at this time, with the Cochran Law Firm stating that it will be determined at a later date. City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.