50 Cent blasted Jussie Smollett’s Pride performance as they resume their Power vs. Empire rivalry as the month comes to a close.
When the opportunity presented itself at Harlem Pride last weekend, 50 Cent couldn’t help but take another shot at his longtime rival.
The rapper’s latest jab comes at the end of Pride Month, June 27-28, which peaks celebrations in New York City and beyond. Smollett’s return to acting after years away from the spotlight made him the perfect target for 50 Cent’s social media comments, reigniting a feud that dates back to the rivalry days of TV’s “Thrones” and “Empire.”
The comeback performance itself was a big moment for Smollett, who took the stage at the 17 Shades of Pride celebration on the 12th Avenue waterfront in West Harlem.
Hours later, however, 50 Cent posted a clip of the performance with the caption, “Look, I told you POWER was the worst —, no, you wanted to watch Empire. Now look, it’s all your fault. Haha.”
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The message was unmistakable, channeling years of tense competition between two television franchises that once vied for ratings dominance.
According to Entertainment Weekly , Smollett’s camp responded with caution and restraint.
His publicist, Pamela Sharp, issued a statement that read simply: “We wish him a happy and proud life.”
The response was in stark contrast to the aggressive tone adopted by 50 Cent, who chose tolerance over confrontation at a time when the LGBTQ community should be celebrating.
This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has publicly targeted Smollett.
Back in 2019, the rapper mocked the actor for calling himself a “gay Tupac,” establishing a pattern of criticism that transcended simple TV competition.
The timing of this latest exchange coincides with the end of Pride Month celebrations, which many feel creates an unnecessary disruption to community and reception of information this month.
Smollett’s return to public performance comes after years of legal complications and personal challenges.
His comeback efforts include appearances on competition shows and documentary projects that explore his story from multiple angles.
The Harlem Pride performance represented a deliberate step forward, but 50 Cent’s comments threatened to overshadow what was supposed to be a triumphant return to the stage.
The rapper’s decision to weaponize the Power vs. Empire rivalry feels especially tone-deaf given the backdrop of Pride Month’s end-of-week weekend.
According to Fox News, the exchange sparked a broader discussion about whether such public fights belong in a space dedicated to LGBTQ celebration and solidarity.
Smollett’s measured response ultimately allowed him to maintain the moral high ground, while “50 Cent’s” comments linger as a reminder of unresolved tensions from the golden age of television drama.
