"Empire" has soared to incredible ratings heights in its first season by not shying away from controversial issues, except when it comes to the use of the N-word.
"Empire" stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard split on whether the show should add the hotly-debated word into the scripts. Henson thinks the Fox series should keep the word out, while Howard argues the word is already used in everyday conversation and the music that the show revolves around.
Henson told TMZ that "you might p*** people off" if the show started using the N-word.
Howard applauds "Empire" for addressing homophobia in the hip-hop community. His character, Lucious Lyon, strongly disapproves of his out gay son and has made no secret of his feelings.
"If we start getting silly, If we start playing to people's fancies, then we don't deserve to be where we are," Howard told Entertainment Weekly. "It's a big pressure because I want to be a truth-sayer. I want to raise the bar. I want to get rid of this f***ed up word called PC. I think it's a gate for bigotry because as long as you're politically correct you can say anything you want but feel some way different."
The Oscar-nominated actor wants the show to continue pushing the envelope.
"I'm mad that we don't say n***** in the show," he said. "Why is TV showing something different from the reality of the world? Why is there a thing called censorship that stop people from hearing everyday talk? We use n***** every day. It's become part of a conversation - why aren't we using it in the show?"
"Empire" will air its two-hour season finale on Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m. on Fox.
