Terrence Howard: 'Ex-wife's betrayal has put me off dating'

Actor TERRENCE HOWARD felt "betrayed" by his second wife MICHELLE GHENT after she accused him of violence during their short marriage because she was the one person he trusted with his life.

The Iron Man star split from Ghent in February, 2011, just days after their first wedding anniversary and two months after she won a restraining order against the 43 year old amid claims he had hurt her.

He denied the allegations and requested his own protective order against his ex, accusing her of transforming from a "loving, gentle person... into a monster".

Howard, who settled the ugly divorce last year (12), was distraught over the allegations because he was constantly portrayed as the "bad guy" in the media - and the film roles he was being offered quickly reflected his reputation - although he didn't mind that aspect of the fall out.

He explains, "Well, look at all the crap that's gone on with me on the personal level. It fit my life. You know, I guess they (casting directors) see me as a bad guy. So it's back to back.

"When you feel betrayed by someone that you trust the most... As an actor, you look for something that's going to let you express your inner emotions and anger."

But Howard has been left with several regrets about the way he handled his marriage breakdown, telling GQ magazine, "I should have never fought with her publicly. I should never have said anything bad about her, I don't care what was the cause. You just love your family."

And the actor confesses he's been put off dating as a result of his embattled love life: "I don't think I'm going to date ever again! They (his exes) win, they win. I've had a bad run."