Fox executives claimed they didn’t know about the domestic abuse allegations against Empire star Terrence Howard until December when pressed with questions about it at the TCA Winter Press Tour on Saturday.
CEO and Chairman of the network, Dana Walden, made the announcement that the hit show was picked up for a second season. While there, she fielded questions about Howard, which stem back to 2011 and involve his second wife Michelle Ghent.
He’s now expecting a baby with his third wife, Miranda. This will mark his fourth child.
Fox News reports Walden praised Howard when answering questions about his personal life, saying it’s been a “fantastic experience” working with him so far.
“He’s a leader among that cast. He’s been so professional,” she said.
Walden added of the allegations, “we didn’t really become aware of any of the [domestic violence allegations] until December,” adding, “it just didn’t come into the conversation [any sooner].”
Howard himself also talked about the abuse allegations earlier that day, saying he was “thankful” Fox judged him for his talent and not his private life.
“Remember, Jesus was nailed to the stake on the allegations of him being a blasphemer. We slayed our messiah over [false allegations],” he said.
image via Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com