During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, "Empire" actor Terrence Howard discussed his desire to bring more truth and authenticity to the hit FOX series.

Howard explained that though the show addresses many controversial topics, he feels "Empire" can push the envelope a bit further by incorporating the use of the n-word.

"I'm mad that we don't say n–– in the show," he admitted. "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?"

In a separate interview with Access Hollywood, Howard elaborated on his thoughts. He accused the show of being too politically correct and not "attacking" the controversial term head on.

By using the n-word on the show, Howard believes that it will "really tackle" racism.

"Well, I believe if we're gonna really tackle racism, if we're gonna tackle bigotry, if we're gonna tackle homophobia, we need to attack it dead on you don't just sit up, you know let's give a little Aspirin right here, no we need to take the sutures, open up the problem and reach in and grab it. And since n**** is used in almost every conversation in most black neighborhoods, why is it that we don't hear it on TV anymore?" Howard asked.

When asked to speak on what the n-word means to him personally, Howard responded, "Oh, it could mean love, sometimes it's a noun, sometimes it's a verb, sometimes it's an adjective, it's all, there's a spirit attached to it, you know."

Howard then went on to reveal that his whole family, including himself, use the word and he also addresses his white friends with the n-word.

And while Howard feels that the n-word is appropriate to use on television, his co-star Taraji P. Henson has openly said that she disagrees with Howard's views on the word.

TMZ recently caught up with Henson who said that using the n-word on the show is inappropriate.

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