Actor Terrence Howard has expanded his ongoing legal battle against his former talent agency, **Creative Artists Agency>, alleging he was never informed about a potential business opportunity tied to the hit television series Empire.
According to a declaration filed in the case, Howard claims the agency failed to tell him that representatives connected to an “Empire” fragrance had discussed a possible Terrence Howard-branded fragrance venture while his contract negotiations were underway.
The latest filing adds another layer to Howard’s lawsuit, which previously focused on how the agency handled his salary negotiations for the Fox drama.
Howard says he lacked key information during negotiations
Howard, who portrayed Lucious Lyon throughout Empire‘s six-season run, alleges his agents sought a significant pay increase on his behalf.
According to his declaration, the agency requested $750,000 per episode, but Howard claims FOX responded that it could not offer more than $325,000 per episode.
Howard now argues that while those salary discussions were taking place, his representatives allegedly failed to tell him about another potential business opportunity connected to the show.
According to the filing, Howard claims representatives associated with an “Empire” fragrance had discussed the possibility of a Terrence Howard-branded fragrance.
He alleges the opportunity could have included:
- A $20,000 payment for a launch event.
- Potential paid promotional appearances.
- An appearance on Home Shopping Network (HSN).
- A possible men’s signature fragrance venture.
Howard contends that he was forced to decide whether to accept his television contract without knowing about those alleged discussions.
Lawsuit centers on agency’s representation
Howard argues that his former agents did not adequately represent his interests during negotiations surrounding Empire.
According to the declaration, he believes the alleged omission affected his ability to make a fully informed decision regarding his contract.
The allegations remain claims made by Howard in court filings.
CAA disputes the allegations
According to the information provided, CAA denies Howard’s allegations.
The agency is also seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing, among other things, that Howard’s claims were filed after the applicable statute of limitations had expired.
No ruling on those arguments has been reported in the information provided.
Terrence Howard starred as Lucious Lyon, the ambitious music mogul at the center of Empire, one of television’s biggest dramas during its run on FOX.
The series became a ratings success and generated multiple business ventures, including merchandise and promotional partnerships tied to the show’s popularity.
Howard’s lawsuit against CAA has focused on whether his former representatives properly advocated for his financial and professional interests during that period.
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights the significant role talent agencies play in negotiating not only salaries but also endorsement, licensing, and branding opportunities for their clients.
If Howard’s allegations are ultimately proven, the case could raise broader questions about an agency’s responsibility to disclose potential commercial opportunities while representing high-profile performers.
For now, however, those issues remain for the courts to decide.
For actors, career-defining roles often create opportunities that extend far beyond the screen.
Howard’s latest filing suggests he believes he missed the chance to build a personal consumer brand alongside the success of Empire. Whether that opportunity was lost because of the agency’s conduct is now one of the questions at the center of the legal dispute.
The lawsuit remains ongoing, with Howard pressing his claims and CAA continuing to challenge them in court. Future rulings will determine whether the case proceeds or is dismissed.
