Terrence Howard Sued for $5 Million for Alleged Assault During Cat Rehearsals

Terrence Howard is being sued for allegedly assaulting composer Andrew "Tex" Allen during rehearsals for the Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. According to the New York Post, the brother of Cat director Debbie Allen is seeking $5 million in damages for the incident .

The lawsuit states that Howard, who played Brick in the production, confronted Allen, who wrote the original score, while he sat at a piano during a January 24 rehearsal at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The suit claims Howard punched Allen repeatedly in the face and head.

Howard's publicist, Michelle Benson, told E! Online that the charges were false. "We are aware of the allegations," she said. "And expect this frivolous suit to be dismissed."

Howard revealed to Broadway.com that the rehearsal period for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a difficult one for him in a February 2008 Q&A, even admitting to quitting the production during rehearsals: "I quit the first week. After the third day, I was like, 'I'm out!' I was in the middle of rehearsal and I was like, 'You know what? I can't do it.' I felt like I was faking it and I've never been fake before in a performance."

Best known for his work in films like his Oscar-nominated turn in Hustle and Flow and this summer's blockbuster Iron Man it was recently announced that Don Cheadle will replace Howard in the planned sequel, Howard is currently promoting his debut music CD, titled Shine Through It.