Lee Daniels may have closed the door on a potential return to “Empire” for Jussie Smollett, but the drama among cast members is far from over. Terrence Howard, who has enjoyed ultra-success from the hit television series, is currently under investigation by the feds for criminal tax evasion, according to The Blast.
Howard is not alone in the financial crimes that are in play either. Multiple reports have revealed that his third wife, Mira Pak, and a company she owns — Universal Bridges, Inc. — are also tied to the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is leading the ongoing investigation.
The couple was reportedly made aware of the investigation on May 20, 2019, and has hired a high-profile, white-collar criminal attorney to handle their defense. Federal investigators confirmed with The Blast that initial discussions with Howard and Pak have begun.
Howard and Pak are divorced but were re-engaged as of December 2018. So, technically, he is under investigation with his fiancée and his third wife.
This is not the first time Howard has been in trouble with the law for tax problems. The Blast reported that he was hit with a lien that exceeded $140,000 in April, which stems from taxes the actor owes, dating to 2010.
He also faced a federal government lien in the amount of $1.1 million in 2006 and $600,000 in 2006.
