"Empire" star Terrence Howard is accusing his ex-wife of once trying to blackmail him with what he dreaded could be career-ruining videos and pictures.

According to TMZ.com, Howard is planning to file a legal motion sometime this month that alleges he agreed to give his ex-wife such a "ridiculously rich" spousal support settlement because she was threatening him with the aforementioned pictures and videos.

The website adds at least one of the pictures in question captures Howard in the shower, adding there are also many others.

TMZ also reports Howard granted his ex the equivalent of five years of support when she was legally only entitled to six-months of support because the marriage only lasted a year.

Michelle Ghent has previously accused the "Hustle & Flow" star of owing her in the neighborhood of $508,000 in past due support. She also alleges Howard has been "hiding assets" and grossly underestimating what he earns each month.

TMZ has previously reported Howard is required to pay Ghent $5,800 per month, but if he earns more than $62,000 in any given quarter she is entitled to at least 21 percent of the excess. During Season 1 of the smash hit "Empire," Howard was reportedly paid $125,000 per episode. He is expected to receive a hefty raise prior to the start of Season 2.

The 46-year-old has also starred in such films as "The Best Man, "Crash," "Dead Presidents" and "Mr. Holland's Opus." Howard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Hustle & Flow."

"Empire" also stars Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon, and Trai Byers as Andre Lyon.