Terrence Howard reportedly blew up over Jussie Smollett on ‘Empire’ set after arrest
The lead actor on 'Empire' was reportedly so upset that he was not there to hear his co-star appeal to fellow castmates
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Empire actor Terrence Howard may be sharing polished messages of support for co-star Jussie Smollett now, but reports have emerged that last week the actor had a total meltdown on set following Smollett’s arrest.
According to TMZ, sources say Thursday production erupted into chaos after castmates found out Smollett had turned himself into Chicago police and was being charged. Howard is said to have been so upset he went on a strike of sorts, refusing to come out of his trailer for majority of the day.
READ MORE: Jussie Smollett pleads innocent to ‘Empire’ castmates, legal team releases statement
Howard had lost his patience with Smollett after police announced two Nigerian-American brothers, Abel and Ola Osundario, had allegedly helped his costar stage a massive hoax. A screaming Howard allegedly confronted Smollett demanding that he end the charade and come clean.
Howard was noticeably absent Thursday evening when when Smollett addressed the cast and crew, although it was said that those who did show up were skeptical of him as well. The sources say the anger and confusion on set caused by the actor’s presence is what ultimately convinced producers to remove him from the last two episodes.
READ MORE: Addicted to Outrage: What the bizarre responses to Jussie Smollett’s case say about us
However, a report has come forward that suggests Chicago Police may have had a key detail in the case wrong when they said a $3500 check Smollett wrote was a payoff for the attack. TMZ reported that the money went to the brothers as a fee for training. Still, Chicago’s police chief Eddie Johnson doubled down on his assertion that the check was, in fact. a payoff to stage the attack.
On Saturday Howard posted a video that was seemingly in support of Jussie.
“All your lil homies got you… We love the hell outta you ♥️” wrote the 49-year-old.
