Terrence Howard Says Diddy Asked for Acting Lessons, Then Made Sexual Advances Toward Him

Nationwide — Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, 56, has made a startling claim that Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly attempted to make sexual advances toward him under the guise of professional collaboration. In a recent interview on the “PBD Podcast,” Howard said the music mogul repeatedly invited him over, claiming he wanted acting lessons. The actor, best known for his roles in Hustle & Flow and Empire, said the encounters left him feeling confused and uncomfortable.

Howard alleged that despite Diddy’s stated intention to improve his acting, their sessions involved little more than the rapper staring at him in silence. “He wasn’t doing any work,” Howard said. “He was just sitting there, watching me.” The situation took another turn when Combs allegedly asked to hear Howard’s music, only to once again sit in silence, staring without feedback or engagement.

Perplexed by the behavior, Howard said he confided in his assistant, who bluntly suggested that Combs was possibly making a pass at him. According to Howard, that realization prompted him to end all further communication with the music executive. He added, “Now you know to be hands off with somebody,” citing similar situations he’s faced with other producers in Hollywood.

The actor went on to describe how he’s had to defend his boundaries throughout his career, claiming that some producers have crossed the line and received warnings or threats in response. “I’ve had to threaten to knock some heads off,” he said. Howard made it clear he takes pride in maintaining his personal values, stating he doesn’t accept roles that compromise his masculinity, including romantic scenes with men.

Howard’s accusations also bring new attention to his previously strained relationship with Combs. A decade ago, reports surfaced that Combs had prevented his son, Quincy Brown, from appearing on Howard’s show Empire due to disagreements over music rights. While it remains unclear whether that issue is directly related to Howard’s allegations, the tension between the two seems to be longstanding.

These new claims come as Combs faces mounting legal troubles, including federal sex trafficking investigations and multiple sexual assault lawsuits. While celebrities like Nick Cannon have publicly denied attending Combs’ alleged “Freak-Off” parties, and Justin Bieber has distanced himself, dozens of other individuals have stepped forward with serious accusations. Most recently, Joseph Manzaro filed a lawsuit claiming Combs both facilitated and personally committed acts of sexual violence against him in 2015.