Terrence Howard
A judge sided with Terrence Howard, pictured here at the 55th Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 16, 2015 in Monaco, in an ongoing battle with ex-wife Michelle Ghent (not pictured). Getty

Much like on “Empire,” actor Terrence Howard has been in the news for the wrong reasons lately. A judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court believes Howard is “a bully,” similar to his role as Lucious Lyon, but that didn't stop the judge from siding with the actor in a legal battle.

E! Online reports the judge sided with Howard, determining that the spousal support agreement Howard signed was forced by ex-wife Michelle Ghent, who threatened him. Ghent wanted more money because Howard's popularity has risen due to the success of “Empire.” The judge said although Howard is a bully, it doesn't mean he can't be bullied.

“A very accomplished actor, Terrence tried to minimize his conduct in past events including an incident on a Continental airline flight. However poorly Terrence may have acted in other settings, he was the only witness to testify concerning the telephone call between Terrence and Michelle," the judge wrote in documents obtained by E! Online.

In a statement to People, Howard said he couldn't be more pleased by the judge's ruling, even though the two will have to return to court for a new spousal support agreement. “I am grateful to my [attorney and his team,] whose skill and tireless efforts enabled me to secure this terrific ruling from the Court."

According to TMZ, Howard said he was on drugs when he was married to Ghent. He testified they would do cocaine and ecstasy together, but now he refuses to be involved with drugs.

The New York Daily News said Ghent threatened to leak phone sex recordings with other women and a video of Howard dancing naked in a bathroom. The judge cited this as evidence of extortion.

At the court hearing on Aug. 17 to settle Howard's divorce from Ghent, it was also revealed that Howard, 46, was also newly divorced from his third wife, Mira Pak, 38, according to the New York Daily News. The couple reportedly secretly filed for divorce on July 27, citing irreconcilable differences.

Howard will be returning to his role as Lucious Lyon this fall. Lucious will begin the season in prison when "Empire" returns to Fox for Season 2 on Sept. 23.

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