Terrence Howard’s daughter, Heaven Howard, a budding actress, has bravely shared a deeply personal and painful experience with abuse.
In a raw and emotional Instagram video this week, Heaven revealed that she was molested by her cousin when she was just seven years old. Her courage in speaking out is truly powerful.
“I forgive him,” she stated in the heartfelt video. Heaven explained that she felt compelled to share her story in connection with her new short film, “Princess Love,” a project that clearly resonates deeply with her own experiences. Even as she spoke, she admitted her “heart was racing,” revealing the vulnerability of sharing such a traumatic event.
What makes Heaven’s revelation even more complex is the context she provided. “I don’t cry because of him. It’s not that. I hurt for him because when he was two years old— he was just a baby. He was raped, so when he was 12, he did something to me,” Heaven explained.
Heaven expressed profound gratitude for Chris Dabney, the writer-director behind “Princess Love,” and his sensitive portrayal of generational abuse. “I don’t think I have many words, but let the story guide you,” she shared, urging her followers to watch the film. “I am so lucky to be a part of it. I’m so grateful to be able to speak and put a name to it. I am not afraid. I am not ashamed. I am proud […] Do not pity me. Watch and understand that this happens. Don’t look away.”
Terrence Howard has a sizable family in his personal life, comprising his five children: Aubrey, Hunter, Heaven, Qirin, and Hero. The Oscar-nominated actor, known for his role as Lucious Lyon in the Fox series Empire, shares daughters Aubrey and Heaven and son Hunter with his first spouse, Lori McCommas. He and his third wife, Mira Pak, welcomed their first son, Qirin, in 2015, followed by their second son, Hero, just a year later. Though Terrence feels he missed out on “a lot of personal time” with his older children, he has mentioned to PEOPLE that he is more “present” with his younger ones.
