Terrence Howard gets emotional talking about Jussie Smollett: 'I miss my son'

George Back
·Producer, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated

Terrence Howard sat down with Extra's Billy Bush on Tuesday to discuss the final season of Empire. When the subject of Jussie Smollett’s departure from the show came up, Howard became visibly emotional.

In January, Smollett claimed he was attacked outside his Chicago apartment by two men wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. The men allegedly called Smollett racist and homophobic names, poured bleach on him, and strung a noose around his next.

In February, police accused Smollett of staging the attack after they apprehended two suspects who were connected to the actor. As a result, Fox removed the actor from the series.

When asked about Smollett, Howard said, “I mean, Jussie has been the heart of the show. He's been my son for six years. ... I miss my son.”

Bush followed up by asking, ”He feels like that to you in real life?” To which Howard replied, “Yes, he does, unfortunately for me.”

As tears welled up in Howard’s eyes, he reached for a tissue and said, “This is real life, you know. We’re not talking about dingleberries and applesauce. This is real life.”

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