DINH DOONG

The buzz around Hollywood is gaining momentum as Terrence Howard steps up to support Katt Williams, shedding light on the industry’s controversial practices.

Howard, known for his roles in acclaimed films and TV shows, is now opening up about the reasons behind his departure from Hollywood, citing concerns about how the industry treats Black men and their masculinity.

In a bold statement, Howard echoes Katt Williams’ sentiments, revealing that Hollywood has a tendency to push Black actors into roles that strip them of their masculinity.

He throws shade at the industry, suggesting that he was labeled “difficult to work with” simply because he refused to take on certain roles that he felt compromised his integrity.

Howard’s frustration with Hollywood’s expectations for Black actors to play stereotypical or emasculating roles is evident in his candid remarks.

One of the most striking aspects of Howard’s allegations is his comparison to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, mentioning how Johnson once played an actual fairy, pointing to the industry’s history of placing Black men in roles that undermine their masculinity.

This comment highlights a broader issue within Hollywood, where there is a long-standing pattern of typecasting and limiting the range of roles available to Black actors.

Beyond these personal grievances, Howard has also taken legal action against 20th Century Fox Film (now part of Disney), claiming unpaid compensation from the TV series “Empire,” which recently wrapped up its sixth and final season.

The lawsuit centers on the merchandising of the show and Howard’s likeness, raising complex questions about contractual agreements and the use of his image.

The lawsuit filed by Howard’s attorney, Lawrence Townsend, is anything but straightforward.

It delves into the specifics of Howard’s contract, focusing on a logo from “Empire” that allegedly used Howard’s image without proper compensation.

The complaint argues that while Howard granted rights to his name and likeness for publicity and promotional purposes, this did not extend to direct endorsement of goods and services beyond the series itself.

Howard’s complaint further complicates matters by bringing in his work from another studio’s intellectual property, specifically mentioning the Paramount motion picture “Hustle & Flow.”

According to the complaint, a still frame from a recording session scene in “Hustle & Flow” was used without proper authorization, reversed, and subjected to CGI to create the logo in question.

The legal battle underscores the often murky waters of intellectual property and compensation in Hollywood, where actors’ images and likenesses are frequently used in ways that may not align with their contracts.

Howard’s demand for an accounting of royalties and his pursuit of justice through a breach of contract claim highlight the challenges actors face in securing fair compensation and maintaining control over their own images.

Howard’s departure from Hollywood, coupled with his vocal support for Katt Williams, brings attention to the broader issues of representation, equity, and respect within the entertainment industry. As more actors speak out about their experiences and challenge the status quo, it remains to be seen how Hollywood will respond to these calls for change.

In conclusion, Terrence Howard’s decision to back Katt Williams and reveal the reasons behind his exit from Hollywood shines a light on the ongoing struggles for Black actors in the industry.

His legal battle with 20th Century Fox Film adds another layer to the story, raising important questions about contractual rights and the use of actors’ likenesses.

As the narrative unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with navigating a career in Hollywood.