3 sources·Entertainment

Terrence Howard Refuses Biopic Role Over Concerns About Portraying Marvin Gaye's Sexuality

Actor Terrence Howard declined a role in a Marvin Gaye biopic due to his discomfort with kissing a man on screen.

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The actor expressed regret about turning down an offer to play Smokey Robinson in a film because he was in early discussions with Daniels to portray Gaye in the biopic at the time.
‘I Would Cut My Lips Off’: Terrence Howard Says He Turned Down Legendary Role Because He Would Have To Kiss Man
Daily Caller·3d
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Howard’s revelation comes roughly one year after he alleged that Creative Artists Agency (CAA) owes him over $120 million for his work on Empire, asserting he had been paid less than his “white counterparts” working in television.
Actor Terrence Howard Declined Marvin Gaye Biopic to Avoid Kissing a Man: 'If I Kissed Some Man, I Would Cut My Lips Off'
Breitbart News·3d
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The comment received some backlash online, with some calling Howard "deeply problematic" and others urging people to stop interviewing Howard.
Terrence Howard refused Marvin Gaye role over prospect of kissing a man, says 'I would cut my lips off'
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Updated: Apr 29th, 2025, 3:39 PM ET

Summary

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Terrence Howard revealed on Bill Maher's podcast that he turned down the chance to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic because he couldn't accept the portrayal of Gaye's rumored sexuality. Despite earlier interest, he stated he would 'cut his lips off' rather than kiss a man, arguing that it does not make him homophobic to have this boundary. His comments ignited backlash on social media as critics labeled his views as problematic. Additionally, Howard is also involved in a legal dispute with Creative Artists Agency over alleged pay disparities, claiming he's owed over $120 million from his time on 'Empire.'

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Terrence Howard declined to play Marvin Gaye due to discomfort with portraying the singer's rumored homosexuality, stating he would rather 'cut his lips off' than kiss a man for the role.
Howard expressed that it doesn’t make him homophobic to refuse a same-sex kiss, drawing parallels to individuals of any sexual orientation avoiding performances outside their comfort zone.
Despite Howard's rationale, his comments have sparked backlash online, with critiques focusing on his past and perceptions of masculinity.

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