Terrence Howard is under fire this week after making controversial comments about turning down a role in a Marvin Gaye biopic due to a same-sex kiss. Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast on April 27, Howard told listeners, “The biggest mistake I made in my career” was rejecting an offer to play Smokey Robinson in a different film—but also revealed he passed on playing Marvin Gaye because of the late singer’s rumored sexuality.
The Empire actor recalled being at Quincy Jones’ house when he asked about those rumors. Howard said, “I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumours that Marvin was gay.” “And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.’” Howard explained that after learning this, he refused to take the role, adding, “They would’ve wanted to do that, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that… because I don’t fake it.” The 55-year-old actor went even further, saying, “If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.”
Despite the graphic remark, Howard insisted, “It does not make me homophobic to not want to kiss a man.” Howard’s comments have reignited debates within the LGBTQ community about homophobia in Hollywood—and how much has, or hasn’t, changed
