Terrence Howard admonished for taking photo during hearing

In his struggle to overturn the 2012 divorce settlement with his ex-wife Michelle Ghent, “Hustle & Flow” actor Terrence Howard has declared that he was blackmailed to sign the divorce agreement that gave way more support than his wife was entitled to receive.

Howard claims he only agreed to the settlement because Ghent was holding sex tapes and photos over his head and threatened to release the intimate items if he did not agree to pay her the money. Howard’s sister-in-law, Yvonne Howard, was also deposed and in testimony read in court said that Ghent had admitted to taking one of her ex-husband’s cell phones that contained footage of him having sex on it.

Speaking during his opening arguments Tuesday, Kramer promised to play the court an audio recording of Ghent making various threats.

“Empire” Season 2 is now in production in Chicago, but Howard is expected to testify during the proceedings, which should end next week.

Howard contends the statements by Ghent amounted to extortion and that the divorce settlement must be overturned.

According to her, she wants the money that Howard owes her under the divorce agreement and according to her lawyers, Ghent denies the allegations against her.

Back in June 2013, Michelle filed legal documents alleging she was sucker punched by the actor, and claimed the argument occurred because he asked if they could rekindle their romance in the wake of their divorce. The judge added Terrence Howard could only present evidence of duress and extortion attempts that happened outside of the pair’s mediation in 2012.

The dispute has prompted 20th Century Fox, which produces “Empire“, to seek guidance on where to send his earnings from the show.

During the hearing, Howard received a sharp rebuke from Lewis after the judge learned Howard had snapped a photo of the courtroom audience, including reporters covering the hearing.