Actor Terrence Howard has expanded his legal battle against his former talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), alleging that its representatives failed to inform him about lucrative business opportunities connected to the hit television series Empire.
Allegations of Withheld Information
Howard, who previously sued the agency over the handling of his salary negotiations for the FOX drama, now claims he was not provided with all the information he needed before making decisions about his contract. According to court filings, Howard said his agents requested that FOX increase his salary to $750,000 per episode, but the network allegedly declined, saying it could not offer more than $325,000 per episode.
Howard further alleged that his agents failed to tell him that representatives behind the Empire fragrance brand had discussed a potential partnership involving a Terrence Howard-branded fragrance. He claimed the proposed deal included a $20,000 payment for a launch event, future paid promotional appearances, an opportunity to appear on the Home Shopping Network (HSN), and the possibility of launching his own signature men's fragrance line.
Impact on Contract Decisions
Howard argues that the omission meant he was forced to make decisions about his contract without knowing about the additional commercial opportunities that were allegedly available to him. He says the agency failed to act in his best interests. The actor contends that had he been aware of these opportunities, he might have negotiated differently or pursued them independently.
CAA's Response and Legal Defense
CAA has denied the allegations and is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed. The agency argues, among other things, that Howard's claims were filed after the applicable statute of limitations had expired. CAA maintains that it acted properly in representing Howard and that the actor's claims lack merit.
According to sources, the legal dispute centers on whether CAA had a duty to disclose all potential commercial opportunities to Howard during the period of his contract negotiations for Empire. The case highlights the complex fiduciary responsibilities talent agencies owe to their clients.
