The veteran actor says the encounter occurred long before Beyoncé and Jay-Z were together.
During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Terrance Howard reflected on his early days in the entertainment industry and why he often avoided romantic relationships within the business. One particular opportunity, he says, stands out.
According to the Hustle & Flow actor, he and Beyoncé shared a moment that had the potential to turn into something more.
“I had the chance to date Beyoncé early on,” Howard said around the 17-minute mark of the interview. “We had a conversation and I ended up talking to the other girl inside of Destiny’s Child… the girl with the blue eyes.”
The “other girl” Howard is referring to is Farrah Franklin, who spent les than year with Destiny’s Child before departing. Franklin most notably appeared in music videos for hit songs, “Say My Name” and “Jumpin’ Jumpin’.”
2005 BET Awards
Howard went on to suggest that Beyoncé later playfully reminded him of the opportunity he passed up during a memorable performance at the 2005 BET Awards.
“I remember Beyoncé looking over at me,” Howard recalled. “And I think that’s why she picked me to do that dance when she did the kind of striptease dance that we did at the BET Awards…. to show me what I had lost.”
The performance he referenced came during Destiny’s Child’s iconic rendition of “Cater 2 U.” Each member of the group serenaded a celebrity guest onstage. Michelle Williams brought up NBA legend Magic Johnson, Kelly Rowland chose rapper Nelly, and Beyoncé performed for Howard.
Despite the missed connection, Howard says there was genuine attraction between them at the time.
“There was a moment when I had felt something there,” he admitted. He noted that it was long before Beyoncé began dating Jay-Z.