The 32-year-old actor has taken to Instagram to shut down rumors that he wanted out of the hit FOX series.
- Mar 4, 2016
AceShowbiz - Trai Byers took to Instagram on Thursday, March 3 to address rumors that he wanted to quit "Empire". The 32-year-old actor began, "I don't normally spend my time dispelling rumors, but there is something I'd like to address."
"I have nothing but love and respect for 'Empire' and all who are involved on the show," he explained, "I have a fabulous relationship with FOX, and hold myself to the highest standards professionally. How could I think of demanding something larger than Andre, where I get to express a man with Bipolar disorder, who is on a spiritual journey to find his identity?"
Trai confirmed that he would be returning in the third season, writing, "I'm so proud, so happy, and so lucky to be a part of this cast. This show has started my career. See you in Season Three!"
Previously, Page Six reported that Trai wanted out of "Empire" and producers were prepared to let him leave after some behind-the-scenes diva behavior. An insider told the site, "Trai wants out. He feels that he studied at Yale and he's a 'true thespian' ... The character is beneath him. He has an idea of himself as being this big Shakespearean actor."
According to sources, Trai didn't agree with the direction the show's taken. "At first, being on 'Empire' was major for him. But he feels his character is not as important this season, and he hates not being the star," a source claimed. "He thinks he has the acting chops of Taraji [P. Henson] and Terrence [Howard]. He doesn't get how the show benefits him, and he feels he has way too much talent when he's not the star by any means."
A second source added, "Trai threw a temper tantrum during filming in the past few weeks, saying, 'I don't get to do enough, I might leave.' But producers called his bluff and said, 'Fine, if you're not happy, we don't need you.' He thinks he is a brilliant guy who deserves a better role, but he's hardly one of the most popular or dynamic actors on the show. He also fired all his reps for not getting him big movie roles."
According to a third source, Trai "was up for a new Muhammad Ali movie, and in his mind he was very close to getting it. He fired [his team] when he didn't, and now no one knows how to reach out to him. He's even fired ICM."
An "Empire" insider, however, claimed, "It's the last week of filming the season, and he's not quitting, nor is he being fired, for now."
