Renowned actor Terrence Howard has reignited the debate on salary disparities in Hollywood as he presses forward with a legal battle against the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) over his earnings from the hit TV series “Empire.”
According to reports, Howard alleges that CAA advised him to accept talent fees significantly lower than what he rightfully deserved. It’s reported that he earned between 30% to 50% less per episode than his counterparts on the show.
Speaking at a press conference last year, Howard expressed his disappointment, stating, “I trusted CAA to look after me, and they looked after themselves.” He raised concerns about potential racial bias contributing to the pay discrepancy.
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In a recent interview on “Straight Talk with Daphne Phaneē,” Howard shed light on the stark disparity between the viewership and pay between “Empire” and “The Big Bang Theory,” both airing on Fox. Despite “Empire” having significantly higher viewership, Howard claims his white counterparts on “The Big Bang Theory” were earning substantially more per episode.
Howard alleges that a “packaging deal” between CAA and Fox incentivized his representatives to negotiate lower pay for him. He asserts that he is entitled to more than $120 million, based on what would have been paid to white actors in similar roles.
Furthermore, Howard claimed to have received a mysterious check for $666 after requesting his owed earnings, interpreting it as a threat from the agency.
The actor’s outspoken stance against what he perceives as systemic inequality in Hollywood has sparked a renewed conversation about fair compensation and representation in the entertainment industry.
As Howard continues his legal battle, his advocacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by minority artists in an industry grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile case.
