'Empire' Sued -- You Stole My Life Story!!!

A friend of the Jackson family is suing Terrence Howard, Lee Daniels, "Empire" and others, claiming the hit show is a carbon copy of his film about his life as a "gangster, pimp and drug dealer."

Ron Newt, who describes himself as a "known ghetto player" claims he met with Terrence at the Four Seasons hotel a while back and they discussed Ron's documentary, "Bigger than Big." Ron says Terrence connected to it, and said he wanted to play him in the film.

Fast forward to January, when "Empire" debuted to huge ratings. Ron says the similarities are more than suspicious.

-- "Empire" ... 4 drug dealers killed. "Bigger than Big" script: 4 drug dealers were killed.

-- "Empire" ... Lucious shot his long-time friend. BTB: Prince shoots his friend.

-- "Empire" has a roundtable. BTB: Roundtable!

-- "Empire" ... Cookie goes to jail for drugs. BTB: China Doll goes to jail for drugs.

-- "Empire" ... Cookie is released from prison. BTB: China Doll released from the big house.

-- "Empire" ... Cookie with hat. BTB: China Doll with hat.

Ron has a colorful history. He says in 1989 he signed a multi-million dollar deal with MCA, and also deals with Michael Jackson's family and Death Row Records.

As for the "Empire" lawsuit ... he wants a billion dollars.