According to Page Six, Trai is reportedly feeling like the role may not a good look for his career.
The publication is also claiming Trai has been difficult to work with too:
“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.”
Another insider added: “Trai threw a temper tantrum during filming in the past few weeks, saying, ‘I don’t get to do enough, I might leave.’ But producers called his bluff and said, ‘Fine, if you’re not happy, we don’t need you.’ He thinks he is a brilliant guy who deserves a better role, but he’s hardly one of the most popular or dynamic actors on the show.”
The insider added: “He also fired all his reps for not getting him big movie roles.”
We’re labeling this as gossip for now.
UPDATE: Looks like the report is false:
I really hope this isn’t true. He’s a great actor and I would hate to see him go.
I don’t believe he’s a diva behind the scenes but I can believe he doesn’t feel his character gets enough shine. I agree with him on that. It’s like the only sons they give shine to is Jamal and Hakeem. You can tell Jussie is Lee’s favorite. The whole show is centered around him and Cookie.
I’m hoping this isn’t true. He’s one of the best parts of the show for me. He always brings it in every scene he’s in. I thin Hakeem needs to brush up on his acting skills.
It was only a matter of time. I bet he’s feeling some kind of way because not only has he been pushed to the background, but they ruined his fiancee’s character as well. This season has been all about Jamal, Cookie, Hakeem and Lucious. He has the most intriguing storyline but it doesn’t get much screen time.
Not my husband! Please don’t let this be true.
He is an ok actor but I get why he feels that way. I suggest he collect those check him and his wife BooBoo until something better comes along
In other words, he’s clashing with Lee Daniels. I’m not surprised. You can tell Trai ain’t the brown nosing type and Lee seems to have an issue with anyone who doesn’t stroke his ego. I noticed Jussie kisses his butt all the time.
He just issued a statement saying that it’s not true, and that he’s not going anywhere.
It’s false? Good!
Fox probably put this lie out here to get some publicity for the show. It comes back later this month and they need us talking about it again. It’s sad they just threw him under a bus though.