Terrence Howard -- Cries On Stand

Terrence Howard broke down on the stand today when he testified he signed a settlement agreement with his wife because she threatened to release medical information that would make it impossible for him to ever work in Hollywood again.

Howard was referring to a conversation he taped when Michelle Ghent was on the phone threatening to telling various people he had an STD.

He also testified he felt pressure to sign the settlement agreement -- giving her an unusually large sum of money -- because she threatened to release a sex tape featuring him and another woman.

Howard blew his nose as he fought back tears on the stand, taking deep breaths as he testified.

He's trying to undo the settlement -- giving her $5,800 a month in spousal support and a chunk of his "Empire" earnings -- on grounds he signed the doc under extreme duress.