Those pesky rumors that Trai Byers, who plays Andre Lyon on Empire, would be leaving the show were highly exaggerated. The actor took to Instagram to assert he isn’t leaving the Fox drama anytime soon.
Recently, an NYC tabloid reported that Byers wanted out.
Said Page Six:
“Trai wants out,” said an insider. “He feels that he studied at Yale and he’s a ‘true thespian’ . . . The character is beneath him. He has an idea of himself as being this big Shakespearean actor.”
While Byers was ecstatic to land a role on “Empire” in its debut season, sources said he doesn’t agree with the direction the show’s taken.
“At first, being on ‘Empire’ was major for him. But he feels his character is not as important this season, and he hates not being the star,” said a source. “He thinks he has the acting chops of Taraji and Terrence. 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.”
However, Byers has basically called bullsh*t.
He wrote on Instagram:
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!
Empire returns to your TV screen on March 30 at 9pm ET.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCg4TrwyYeX/?taken-by=traibyers
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Photo: FOX
