He may be haunted by his assault scandal, but that isn't going to stop Jussie Smollett from inspiring people. The multihyphenate actor has been keeping out of the spotlight following his recent controversy as he's been pegged with accusations that he staged the racist and homophobic attack against him in January 2019. The whirlwind caused Jussie to be written out of the last season of Empire, and as he continues to battle the City of Chicago in court, his fans have wondered what's next for Jussie Smollett.

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The actor has remained relatively quiet on social media, but on Friday (June 5), Jussie resurfaced with a video of himself singing alongside a pianist. In the clip, the piano player gives it all he has as Jussie sits in a nearby chair while holding a glass of wine. The singer belts out lyrics that align with our current political climate, and considering Jussie has been an advocate for Black Lives Matter in the past, his support of the movement and artistic expression isn't surprising.

There were hundreds of thousands of people who supported his video, including a few of his family members. "His sister Jurnee Smollett commented, "❤️❤️❤️❤️✊?✊?✊?✊?" while his brother Jake Smollett wrote, "Love you bro. The world needs your music ??♥️✊?." Check it out below.

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A post shared by @jussiesmollett on Jun 5, 2020 at 8:36pm PDT

Terrence Howard and his ex-wife, Michelle Ghent, are currently battling it out in court over his Empire assets in order to settle a spousal support debt. In Aug. of last year, the Hustle & Flow actor was ordered by a Los Angeles judge to pay Ghent a total of $1.3 million in owed spousal support. The LA county court system determined that Howard owed Ghent an initial total of $263,000 and an additional $1.05 million due to his increase in popularity and income following the divorce settlement. 

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Terrence Howard and Michelle Ghent have been in a legal battle over their divorce since 2013. Prior to finalizing their split, Howard was only being paid $120,000 an episode but that increased to over $250,000 per episode after Empire became a hit on FOX. Now, 20th Century Fox has filed legal documents against Terrence Howard, his ex-wife, the actor’s company Universal Bridges, and multiple law firms according to court documents obtained by The Blast. 

According to the documents, 20th Century Fox reportedly owes Terrence Howard more than 25,000 for his rendered services on the highly-popularized series. However, 20th Century Fox is unsure who to sign Howard’s next check to because Michelle served the media company with a court order stating 100% of Terrence’s money is to be paid directly to her and her legal staff. 

The production studio filed their latest suit against Howard and Ghent asking the court who should they turn the funds over too. Howard’s legal team has threatened 20th Century Fox stating that if he is not paid, he will be forced to take legal action against the company for breach of contract. 

With Terrence Howard currently under investigation for tax evasion and officially making his out of retirement, hopefully, his court dueling saga with Michelle Ghent will be able to come to an end this year. 

Check out the trailer to Terrence Howard’s upcoming movie, Cut Throat City, featuring Wesley Snipes, Ethan Hawke, Shameik Moore, and more in the video provided below. 

50 Cent‘s newly-launched ABC series For Life has the show’s executive producer reaching out to Empire’s Taraji P. Henson following the show’s debut. According to Nielson Social Content Ratings, For Life had a record-breaking debut this week. 50 Cent shared a text message exchange revealing his show was the “#1 most social series premiere of any primetime entertainment program on broadcast or cable so far this season.” As Fif’s success in the TV industry continues, he took this very moment to let Taraji know that he’s trying to work with her. “alright, alright, alright. see tell @tarajiphenson i want to work with her LOL,” 50 Cent wrote. 

Fif and Taraji had a bit of a back-and-forth last month after the TV exec. and rapper took a few shots at her by comparing a picture of her to Cookie Jackson. Taraji clearly took offense to it, along with 50 Cent’s general beef with Empire since he looks at the show as competition but that didn’t stop the trolling. With 50 Cent’s ever-expanding resume as a TV executive, he trolled Taraji P. Henson even further when he revealed that he just sold FOX a show that would be replacing Empire.

Following the death of Kobe Bryant, 50 Cent that he’d be focusing on himself and his work, vowing that he is “not arguing with anyone anymore.” Clearly, that promise was short-lived. 

Earlier today, 50 Cent responded to comments that Taraji P. Henson made about him on a recent episode of T.I.’s “expediTIously” podcast. Henson was discussing how a few years ago, Fifty tried to spark competition between the show he executive produces, Power, and the show she stars in, Empire. He called out Empire for stealing Power‘s marketing model and as is the case whenever something ticks off 50 Cent, he didn’t let it go very easily. Henson, on the other hand, thought the rivalry was totally uncalled for. “Our show has nothing to do with his show, we’re talking two different subject matters,” Henson told T.I. “Does he understand what I did to get here? Why tear down another black person for competition? There are a million other shows he can compete with? And to do that publically, it’s embarrassing.”

As one could have predicted, Fif’s reaction to this comment was not too pleasant. His message on Instagram appeared to be apologetic at first, but turned out to be pretty antagonistic. “I love your work and I think you are amazing,” he wrote. “I’m sorry no one is watching your show anymore. I realize I have to work on the fact that I have less empathy then others. I have met with the top executives at Fox and sold them(The Notorious Cop) It’s the show that is replacing yours.” 

With some follow-up IG posts, Fifty has provided more details about his show that will supposedly steal Empire‘s shine. One particular detail that he shared may cause Henson some embarrassment – at least that seems to be his intention. T.I. is apparently involved with this forthcoming Fox series. “TIP Is already signed on, don’t fucking play wit me i’m out here,” Fifty captioned a photo of The Notorious Cop‘s book cover. So, 50 and Tip are teaming up to present the TV adaptation of “the inside story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay Investigations from NYPD’s first ‘hip-hop’ cop.” 50 must think this news turns the tables on Henson, who complained to T.I. about 50 jacking the spotlight from another predominantly black production. 

As if 50 hadn’t gone in on Henson enough for the day, he shared ANOTHER photo of her with former Empire co-star, Jussie Smollett. He penned another villainous caption: “i didn’t destroy your show it destroyed itself. i hope you accept my sincere apology, forever your fan and friend Fofty. ps i’m looking forward to working with you, or watching you watch me work.”

There’s a whole history to the feud between 50 Cent and Taraji P. Henson over their respective TV series, Power and Empire. It goes back a few years, when Fifty called out Empire for copying Power‘s marketing scheme. From that point forward, Fifty framed the show he executive produces as the competitor of the show that Henson stars in. 

The hatchet was buried for some time, as the programs embarked on their own successful paths, but this week, the rivalry was rehashed. Henson commented on Fifty’s petty behaviour during her recent appearance on T.I.’s “expediTIously” podcast. “Our show has nothing to do with his show, we’re talking two different subject matters,” she said. “Does he understand what I did to get here? Why tear down another black person for competition? There are a million other shows he can compete with? And to do that publically, it’s embarrassing.”

Fif, never one to leave a shot unaddressed, took to Instagram today to pen a backhanded apology to Henson. “I saw @tarajiphenson on @troubleman31 podcast, this is my sincere apology I did not mean to hurt your feelings in anyway,” he wrote. “I love your work and I think you are amazing. I’m sorry no one is watching your show anymore.”

After sliding in that jab, he goes back to feigning remorse. “I realize I have to work on the fact that I have less empathy then others. I have met with the top executives at Fox and sold them(The Notorious Cop) it’s the show that is replacing yours.” 

He then expresses his willingness to collaborate with Henson on a project, but he pitches the idea as if she has no other choice but to accept if she hopes to succeed. “But I really want to work with you. I mean your awesome we would work well together. But if you don’t like the idea I understand. If you don’t roll with me, your gonna get rolled the f*ck over.”

Her time as Cookie Lyons is coming to a close, and many are wondering what’s next for Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. We’re sure that Taraji isn’t hurting for roles as she’s one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, but if it were up to Pat Houston, Taraji would be a shoo-in to portray the late Whitney Houston the forthcoming biopic.

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On Thursday, we reported that Clive Davis, the music mogul responsible for discovering Whitney, was planning a biopic about the singer’s life. Although Lifetime aired the Angela Bassett directed biopic back in 2015, Davis told the Los Angeles Times that he doesn’t feel like there has been a film—biopic or documentary—that has accurately told Whitney’s life story. So, in turn, he’s going to do it himself.

Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and the executor to her estate, spoke with TMZ about Clive’s film and named who she would want to see helm the lead role. The cameraman asked Pat if she’d heard about Clive’s plans. “You think he’s doing this alone?” Pat asked with a smile. “We’re apart of it also… Clive has been, professionally, a wonderful person, personally, a wonderful person. We have a relationship. If there’s anything that we can do for him or him for us, it’s done.”

Pat added that she couldn’t share who the persons they have in mind to play Whitney because “that’s a secret.” She wouldn’t say a word, so the cameraman threw out the name Jennifer Hudson. “To play who?” she said with a little shade. “Whitney,” the cameraman replied. Without hesitation, Pat kept the conversation moving and said, “I love Taraji Henson. I love Taraji… Taraji’s my girl.” Pat added, “I can’t really talk about the biopic… You asked me who would I like. I like Taraji.” Can you see Taraji taking on the role of Whitney?

When 50 Cent is on one, it’s hard to knock him down and we’ve seen the latter proven time and time over when it comes to the numerous victims of his trolling behavior. As we know, 50 Cent is proud AF of his Power series so when it comes to other beloved shpws such as Empire, he’s not shy about knocking the show any way he can. More recently, 50 Cent went for the show’s lead actress, Taraji P. Henson when he re-shared a photo of the actress agreeing that she looks like the lost sibling of Michael Jackson. 

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Taraji recently paid a visit to T.I.‘s Expeditiously podcast and shared a few words on 50 Cent and his behaviour when it comes to other successful black stars. “Our show has nothing to do with his show, we’re talking two different subject matters,” she said. “Does he understand what I did to get here? Why tear down another black person for competition? There are a million other shows he can compete with? And to do that publically, it’s embarrassing.”

Before the new year, 50 Cent claimed that he would be more positive. “All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose Altitude under pressure during the flight, reach up and pull down a Prayer,” he wrote. Let’s hope he pulls through on his word.  

The Cook County judge handling Jussie Smollett‘s hoax attack case has ordered a sweeping search warrant directed at Google in order to obtain one-year’s worth of data documentation from Jussie Smollett and his manager, according to the Chicago Tribune. The judge is demanding that Google hand over Smollett’s emails, photos, location data and private messages as part of an on-going investigation involving accusations that the Empire star staged a hate crime attack that allegedly resulted in a physical and verbal assault and a noose being tied around Smollett’s neck in his hometown of Chicago. 

Smollett was indicted on sixteen felony counts for allegedly staging a racial and homophobic attack carried out by brothers, Abel and Ola Osundairo, who later expressed their regret in their involvement in the hoax act of violence. With the Osundairo brothers now cooperating with the prosecution and Smollett urging the court to drop the case against him, the Chicago judge has decided to move forward with court proceedings against the actor. 

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The Cook County judge is also requiring that Google provide the court with Smollett’s email drafts, deleted messages, Google Drive files, Google Voice texts, and web browsing history as further evidence for their prosecution. With the Chicago judicial system pressing further in Smollett’s hoax attack case and Lee Daniels announcing that Smollett will not be returning for the season finale of Empire, Smollett could eventually end up serving time for filing a false report and heedlessly utilizing police resources for a fraudulent crime. Stick with HNHH as details unfold in Jussie Smollett’s upcoming criminal proceedings. 

Last month, Fox’s Empire executives were debating whether Jussie Smollett should return for the show’s final season as a way to cohesively end the series sixth and final chapter. Jussie was booted off the show after he was accused of staging a racial and homophobic attack on himself in Chicago, which lead the actor to be sued by the city. “It would be weird in my mind to end this family show and this family drama of which he was such a significant part of without seeing him,” showrunner Brett Mahoney said of the debate. 

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Page Six now reports that a decision has been made and Jussie will not be returning as the network believes he would “overshadow” the show that’s “bigger than him.”

“There were many points of view about if he should come back or if he shouldn’t,” Fox entertainment president Michael Thorn explained. Ultimately it was decided that his scandal was simply too damaging.

“As hard as a decision as that was, for us — and when I say us I mean the network, the studio and the producers — it felt like it was in the best interests of the show and the cast,” Michael added. “Our hope is that all of the controversy surrounding Jussie doesn’t overshadow the show, which we think is bigger than him,”

We’re sure plenty of you have stories of corner store antics that could possibly get you into trouble, but recently it was actor Bryshere “Yazz” Gray who had a run-in with authorities. The Empire star who portrays Hakeem Lyon on the hit series reportedly found himself on the wrong side of the law after a 7-Eleven clerk called the police on him and his friends. Although the incident reportedly occurred last month, TMZ has recently shared body-cam footage from responding officers showing Bryshere’s explanation of what happened.

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“So, what happened with the clerk was that I guess he spit on the floor,” Bryshere said before the officer asked him who he was referring to. The actor said he was talking about his friend. “[The clerk] snapped on him. She was like, ‘Well, I’m not gon’ clean that up.’ I cleaned it up. I asked her, ‘So, if I didn’t clean this up, you would have to clean it up?’ And she said no and started snapping at me and threw something at me.”

The other officer asked him what it was that the clerk threw, but Bryshere couldn’t remember. He did say, however, that he returned the favor and tossed a bag of chips at her. “It’s on camera, she threw something at me first,” he said. “I threw something at her and then I said, okay, you know what? I’m outta here.”

The officers asked to see Bryshere’s identification because the clerk has accused him of battery, but the actor said he didn’t have it on him. The officer told him if he didn’t turn over his identification there were going to be consequences. Then, the video cuts to the officers speaking with the clerk. Her side of the story is that she told Bryshere and his friend that she wouldn’t serve them because one of them spit on the floor. She claims Bryshere cussed her out and the officer asked if he assaulted her. The clerk stated that he hit her with “all of the items on the floor.” 

According to the video, the clerk said she wanted to press charges and when the manager returned in the morning, officers were invited to come back to view the surveillance footage. Watch both explanations of the food-throwing incident below.