Trai Byers is not quitting Empire: Actor is 'proud and lucky to be a part of this cast'

Empire actor Trai Byers has slammed rumours that he is quitting the Fox drama. Reports surfaced earlier claiming that the actor wanted to be out of the musical series because his character Andre Lyon did not have a good role in season 2.

The actor took to Instagram to quash the rumours and and wrote: "I don't normally spend my time dispelling rumors, but there is something I'd like to address. I have nothing but love and respect for 'Empire' and all who are involved on the show. I have a fabulous relationship with FOX, and hold myself to the highest standards professionally."

According to Byers, he is happy and proud of playing Andre in the show. "How could I think of demanding something larger than Andre, where I get to express a man with Bipolar disorder, who is on a spiritual journey to find his identity? I'm so proud, so happy, and so lucky to be a part of this cast. This show has started my career. See you in Season Three!"

Previously, Page Six reported that Byers wanted to be out of Empire. An insider told the website: "Trai wants out. 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."

The source added that "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. 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."

Empire season 2 is on a midseason hiatus and will return with new episodes on 30 March.