Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson recently took to social media to mock actor Jussie Smollett's performance at Harlem Pride, reigniting a public rivalry between the two.

Jackson, an executive producer of the Starz series "Power," posted a video of Smollett performing at Harlem Pride's "17 Shades of Pride" event. In the post, Jackson joked about the perceived fan preference for Smollett's former show "Empire" over "Power." This action echoes past trolling by Jackson, who frequently asserted "Power" was superior to "Empire" when both shows aired concurrently and centered on wealthy Black families in New York.

![Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson at the 3rd Annual Gotham Television Awards.]( "Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson at the 3rd Annual Gotham Television Awards.")

The reactions to Smollett's performance and Jackson's commentary were divided among social media users. Some criticized Smollett's singing and comeback attempt, while others defended the actor. "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown commented on Jackson's post, stating he was present at the event and that Smollett "killed it." Brown added, "People make mistakes but life doesn’t have to end! Let him work man."

Other users expressed support, with one noting Smollett appeared healthy and hoping he had found spiritual and mental healing. Conversely, some users were critical, with one writing, "He looks healthy, like he’s been working out and keeping up with his skin regiment." Another user questioned "Have we forgiven him yet?"

A representative for Smollett issued a statement to Fox News Digital, suggesting that "50 Cent might be better served tending to matters closer to home rather than taking public shots at Jussie."

Smollett's performance marks a public return following his 2021 conviction for staging a hate crime. That conviction was overturned in November 2024. In 2025, Smollett reached a settlement with the City of Chicago, agreeing to a $50,000 charitable donation to have a lawsuit against him dismissed. The lawsuit was filed by the city in an attempt to recoup investigation costs related to the alleged attack.

In a statement at the time of the settlement, Smollett maintained his innocence and characterized the legal actions as attempts to extract money and a false confession. He stated that the settlement was not difficult to make and that he chose to donate to the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a nonprofit supporting Chicago youth's artistic development. Smollett added that while the legal outcomes might not change everyone's perception, he is innocent in the eyes of God and the criminal justice system and will continue to create art and defend his integrity.

Smollett's appearance at Harlem Pride occurred during a busy Pride weekend in New York City, which also included the NYC Pride Parade.