Terrence Howard sues CAA: Claims neglect in Empire salary negotiations

Terrence Howard, renowned for his role as Lucius Lyon in Fox’s hit series 'Empire', has filed a lawsuit against his former agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), for breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud, and fraudulent representation.

Allegations of Neglected Interests

In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles and obtained by PEOPLE, Howard alleges that CAA failed to act in his best interest during salary negotiations for 'Empire'. "CAA was keeping his best interests at the forefront," the complaint states, accusing the agency of prioritizing their financial interests over his. According to the lawsuit, Howard was initially paid $125,000 per episode, which he later renegotiated to double, but still below the standard for a lead actor in such a successful show.

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Conflict of Interest and Misleading Comparisons

The complaint highlights a potential conflict of interest, noting that CAA also represented 'Empire' producers Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, and acted as the “packaging agent for the project.” Howard, unfamiliar with these packaging deals, believed his agents were acting commendably by not 'double dipping' on fees. However, the lawsuit suggests that Howard was misled about his salary comparison to other leading actors, such as Kevin Spacey and John Hamm, and was not informed about comparable shows like 'Game of Thrones and 'Big Bang Theory'.

During a press conference, Howard expressed his disappointment, stating, "I trusted CAA to look after me, and they looked after themselves." His attorney, Carlos Moore, echoed these sentiments, hinting at racial bias in representation, "Discovery will show this was racism." Howard further lamented the potential impact of this lawsuit on his career, considering it a possible "death blow."

Seeking Justice and Fair Compensation

Howard's lawsuit seeks compensation for exemplary and/or punitive damages, legal fees, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. This legal battle not only highlights the complexities of agency representation in Hollywood but also raises important questions about fair compensation and possible racial disparities in the industry.

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(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)