Rapper 50 Cent has reignited his public feud with Jussie Smollett by mocking the actor's recent performance at Harlem Pride. The executive producer of the "Power" franchise posted a video of Smollett performing at the "17 Shades of Pride" celebration on Instagram, accompanied by a sarcastic caption referencing their past rivalry over the television shows "Power" and "Empire."
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has frequently trolled Smollett on social media since the actor's 2019 controversy involving an alleged hate crime hoax. Jackson previously targeted Smollett for referring to himself as the "gay Tupac" and has consistently promoted "Power" as superior to Smollett's former show, "Empire."
Smollett's performance at the Pride event drew a range of responses online. Some users criticized Smollett's singing and comeback attempt, with one commenter on X stating, "Glad he ain’t hurt no more but he’s out here hurting our ears." Others defended Smollett, with "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown commenting on 50 Cent's post, "I was at this PRIDE event and Jussie killed it. F---k off for using one clip from the entire 30 min show to try bring someone down!"
Another user expressed support, writing, "People make mistakes but life doesn’t have to end! Let him work man." A representative for Smollett issued a statement suggesting 50 Cent should focus on his own affairs rather than criticizing Smollett.
Smollett was convicted in 2021 of staging a hate crime in January 2019, but the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction in November 2024. Following the conviction's reversal, Smollett reached a settlement with the City of Chicago in 2025, agreeing to a $50,000 charitable donation to have a civil lawsuit against him dismissed. Smollett has maintained his innocence, stating in a statement that city officials sought his money and a confession for something he did not do.
Smollett's donation was made to Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a nonprofit supporting Chicago youth. He asserted that despite the legal outcomes, he is innocent and will continue to create art and defend his integrity.