50 Cent isn’t holding back when it comes to Jussie Smollett’s return to the stage years after an alleged hate crime hoax.
On Sunday, the 50-year-old rapper — who has been enthralled in a heated rivalry with Smollett over their respective television shows for years — took to social media to poke fun at Smollett’s performance.
In an Instagram post, the executive producer of the “Power” franchise — who previously mocked Smollett for referring to himself as the “gay Tupac” in 2019 — shared a video of the “Empire” star performing at Harlem Pride’s “17 Shades of Pride” celebration over the weekend.
“See I told you ‘POWER’ was the s—, but No you want to watch ‘Empire.’ Now look this its all your fault. LOL,” he wrote alongside a video of Smollett’s performance.
While “Power” and “Empire” premiered around the same time and both centered on wealthy black families in New York, the two series were quite different. However, 50 Cent frequently fueled the fan rivalry by trolling “Empire” on social media and insisting that “Power” was the superior show. He leaned into that rivalry even more during Smollett’s 2019 controversy, using the moment to take repeated jabs at both the actor and “Empire.”
While some openly criticized Smollett’s singing and “sad” attempt at a comeback over the weekend, others were quick to come to his defense — including “Queer Eye” star Karamo Brown.
“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!” Brown commented on 50’s post.
“People make mistakes but life doesn’t have to end! Let him work man,” one user wrote on X.
“He looks healthy, like he’s been working out and keeping up with his skin regiment,” another added. “I pray over these years, he has also gotten the spiritual & mental healing he needed as well. Cheers to better days!”
Others weren’t as receptive.
“Glad he ain’t hurt no more but he’s out here hurting our ears,” one user wrote on X.
“Have we forgiven him yet?” another wrote.
“He was thinking this moment is gonna fix everything. Nope,” one user added.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a representative for Smollett said, “Given the complexities of his own personal life, 50 Cent might be better served tending to matters closer to home rather than taking public shots at Jussie.”
Smollett originally reported to Chicago Police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two men wearing ski masks in January 2019. He was convicted in 2021 of staging the hate crime, but his conviction was overturned in November 2024.
After reaching a settlement with the City of Chicago in 2025, Smollett agreed to make a $50,000 charitable donation to have a lawsuit against him dismissed.
In a lengthy statement to Fox News Digital at the time, Smollett said, “Over six years ago, after it was reported I had been jumped, city officials in Chicago set out to convince the public that I willfully set an assault against myself. This false narrative has left a stain on my character that will not soon disappear. These officials wanted my money and wanted my confession for something I did not do.”
“Today, it should be clear. … They have received neither. The decision to settle the civil lawsuit was not the most difficult one to make. After repeatedly refusing to pay the city, I was presented with an opportunity to make a charitable donation in exchange for the case being dismissed.”
In April 2019, the City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Smollett in an attempt to recoup the costs of police investigating the alleged attack. The actor told Fox News Digital “despite what happened there politically,” he still has a place in his heart for the city.
“Therefore, making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support,” he said. “I’ve made a $50,000 donation to Building Brighter Futures (BBF) Center for the Arts, a local nonprofit doing incredible work nurturing self-expression, creativity and exploration of the arts for Chicago youth. This organization was of my choosing, and I’m comforted that there will be at least one winner from this experience.”
Smollett said that even though the criminal charges were overturned, and the civil case has been dismissed, “I’m aware that it will not change everyone’s mind about me or the attack I experienced. However, despite arduous and expensive attempts to punish me, I am innocent both in the eyes of God and of our criminal justice system.”
“I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth,” he concluded.
Smollett’s return to the stage came during a busy Pride weekend in New York City, which also saw thousands of people—including New York City congressional candidate Brad Lander—take part in the NYC Pride Parade.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz, Tracy Wright and Emily Trainham contributed to this post.
