Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon
Terrence Howard, pictured here as Lucious Lyon on Fox's "Empire," could have a lesser role in Season 2. Fox

“Empire” fans might be seeing less of Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon in Season 2 of the hit show. Lucious being in jail won’t be the only reason he's rumored to not be around as much.

Page Six reports Howard’s role on the Fox drama is being cut back because of his recent divorce problems that have been making news. “They have him locked up so you won’t be seeing him in as many scenes. But they are bringing in so many, and I mean so many, guest stars and cameos that the average viewer won’t realize it because there is so much going on,” the source dished.

Howard’s character will be in prison to start the season after being arrested in the Season 1 finale for murdering Bunkie (Antoine McKay). Lucious, who is the founder and CEO of Empire Entertainment, was believed to be killed off at some point after being diagnosed with ALS early in the first season. However, it was revealed that he was wrongly diagnosed.

The 46-year-old actor has been no stranger to the spotlight lately. All of his divorce drama has played out in public light and it has been messy.

In a recent 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.

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, who married in 2013, reportedly secretly filed for divorce on July 27, citing irreconcilable differences.

The “Hustle and Flow” star told Entertainment Tonight last week he was “sad” at how the divorce has played out in a public forum. “To have your personal life exposed between family and shared with the public, I think is a violation of our privacy, and of our constitutional rights," he said.

"Empire" Season 2 premieres on Fox on Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. EDT.

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