The Hustle & Flow star's 2010 marriage to Michelle Ghent fell apart after just a year and they finalised their divorce in 2013, but Howard claimed he couldn't afford to pay her spousal support and racked up divorce debts of $50,000 (£31,000).

In March (15), his ex was granted a portion of his earnings from hit TV series Empire, but Howard is fighting back and his attorney Brian Kramer has now submitted new court papers, revealing Ghent attempted to extort his client for more cash.

In the legal documents, obtained by TMZ.com, Howard claims he has secret recordings of Ghent making the threats, and on one tape, she allegedly says, "I can make a good $2 million right now... you want to see your little d**k out there in front of TV?"

He also claims to have caught her on tape promising to spread rumours about his sexual health, saying, "Trust me, you're f**king with the wrong person. You f**king with me way too much. I will f**king bury you deep in the ground."

Howard is hoping to use the evidence to convince a judge to throw out their divorce settlement agreement, which grants Ghent another year of spousal support, and write off the balance.

Howard, 46, is now married to his fourth wife Miranda, and they are expecting their first child together.