'Empire' Star Trai Byers Responds To Rumors He Wants To Quit Show; Confirms His Season 3 Return

Trai Byers Not Leaving Empire — Trai Byers, pictured here at a Television Academy event on May 28, 2015, in Los Angeles, said he's not leaving "Empire" and is happy to be a part of the show. Getty Images

The future of Andre (Trai Byers) on "Empire" Season 2 was questioned after reports surfaced that Byers was not satisfied with the show or his role in it. Rumors buzzed that he'd quit the show, but Byers revealed to fans that he has nothing but "love" and "respect" for the Fox series, and that he's not going anywhere.

Byers responded to the reports on Instagram, saying he's "proud, happy, and lucky" to be a part of "Empire" and to play a character like Andre, who battles bipolar disorder. He also revealed that he'll be back for Season 3 and that the show is what started his career. You can see the full post below.

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. 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? 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!
A photo posted by Trai Byers (@traibyers) on Mar 3, 2016 at 6:06pm PST

Page Six reported Wednesday night that sources said Byers was unhappy with his role on the show and wanted to leave. The insider allegedly said he didn't like the direction "Empire" was heading and was seen throwing a tantrum on set.

"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," the source dished.

"Empire" was renewed for a third season in January and Byers has confirmed he'll be back. Before work for Season 3 begins, his character Andre will have a lot to stomach in the second half of Season 2. When the show returns, Andre will learn that his pregnant wife Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) was hurt after being shoved down a flight of stairs in the fall finale. It's unknown if she and the baby survived the fall.

Andre will also have to deal with problems in his professional life. His brother Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) voted for the record label to be taken away from his father Lucious (Terrence Howard), so Andre's job could be in danger. Hakeem is expected to helm the company, which is going to cause some serious drama in the Lyon family.

"Empire" Season 2 returns on Wednesday, March 30 on Fox at 9 p.m. EDT.

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