Trouble on ‘Empire’ set? Jussie Smollett weighs in

(L to R) Trai Byers as Andre, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie, Terrence Howard as Lucious, Jussie Smollett as Jamal and Bryshere Gray (aka rapper Yazz the Greatest) as Hakeem

The story of the dysfunctional Lyon family on FOX’s “Empire” has driven the show to massive ratings all season long, but according to a new report, the fictional drama isn’t just for TV; allegedly there’s real drama between the cast as well.


According to the Daily Mail, the show’s leads, Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, have complete control of the set and oversee the scripts, even making changes to them on a daily basis if they feel inclined to.


“They call for rewrites if they don’t like the lines or feel as though another character is getting more camera time than they are,” says a source. “They both have final approval over the script, which often frustrates the other actors because it causes their lines to regularly change.”

The source also claims that Henson and co-star Grace Gealey (who plays Anika “Boo Boo Kitty” Calhoun) don’t get along because Henson is jealous of Gealey’s small frame.


‘Taraji hates Grace’s tiny figure and often complains to wardrobe about putting her in outfits sexier than her character’s. She says stuff like, “if you put her a– in anything tighter she won’t be able to breathe,’ ” our source revealed.

Sources also claim that Howard and his former co-star Malik Yoba didn’t get along and that Howard had Yoba’s character killed off over jealousy.

‘He never liked working opposite Malik because women just swoon over him. During promotional appearances and public events, women would go crazy over Malik because he’s been a Hollywood stud for a long time. That drove Terrence crazy,” the source said.

And when it comes to Gabourey Sidibe, sources claim that the Oscar-nominated actress is frustrated with her limited role on the show.

“She enjoys working, but feels like she’s grossly underutilized on this show. She made jokes that she’d wish they would kill her off in the finale on the set,” said the source.

Well, the rumors seemed farfetched to us, and apparently they sound ridiculous to “Empire” star Jussie Smollett as well. Read what he had to say about them after the cut.

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