The hip-hop mogul 50 Cent reignited his long-standing feud with actor Jussie Smollett following the latter’s performance at a Pride celebration in Harlem over the weekend. The 50-year-old rapper, who has sparred with Smollett for years over their competing television series, took to Instagram to mock the Empire star’s stage return. The appearance marked Smollett’s latest attempt to rebuild his public image following the controversial 2019 hate crime hoax case that derailed his career and led to criminal charges.
50 Cent shared video footage from Smollett’s performance at the “17 Shades of Pride” event, accompanied by a caption that revived their old rivalry. The Power franchise executive producer wrote that viewers should have watched his show instead of Empire, blaming fans for Smollett’s current situation. This jab referenced the competition between the two dramas, which both premiered around the same time and featured wealthy Black families in New York, though with vastly different storylines and tones.
Long-running television rivalry resurfaces with new mockery
The feud between 50 Cent and Smollett dates back to 2019 when both Empire and Power were airing simultaneously. The rapper frequently used social media to troll Empire and assert Power’s superiority, building a competitive dynamic between the shows’ fan bases. The rivalry intensified during Smollett’s legal troubles, with 50 Cent repeatedly targeting both the actor and the Fox series. One particularly pointed moment came when the rapper mocked Smollett for allegedly calling himself the “gay Tupac,” a claim that circulated during the controversy.
Smollett’s representative issued a sharp response to the latest attack, suggesting 50 Cent should focus on his own personal matters rather than publicly criticizing others. The statement emphasized the complexities in the rapper’s life and questioned the appropriateness of his continued targeting of Smollett. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the two entertainment figures, even years after their shows ended and the initial controversy unfolded.
Social media divides over comeback performance
Public reaction to Smollett’s Harlem Pride appearance split sharply across social media platforms. Queer Eye personality Karamo Brown defended the performance, stating he attended the event and believed Smollett “killed it.” Brown criticized 50 Cent for isolating one clip from the 30-minute show to undermine the actor. Several supporters echoed similar sentiments, arguing that people deserve second chances and the opportunity to rebuild their lives after making mistakes. Some comments praised Smollett’s physical appearance and expressed hope for his spiritual and mental recovery.
Critics, however, remained unforgiving and skeptical of the comeback attempt. Negative responses included:
- Mockery of his singing abilities and accusations of “hurting ears” with the performance
- Questions about whether the public has forgiven him for the staged attack allegations
- Skepticism that the Pride appearance would repair his damaged reputation
- Continued references to the 2019 incident and conviction that was later overturned
The mixed reception demonstrates the lasting impact of the controversy on Smollett’s public standing. While some fans and advocates expressed willingness to support his return to entertainment, a substantial portion of social media users remained hostile or dismissive toward his efforts to revive his career. The performance occurred during a busy Pride weekend in New York City, which also featured the annual Pride Parade attended by thousands, including congressional candidate Brad Lander.
Legal battles conclude with settlement and overturned conviction
Smollett’s legal saga began in January 2019 when he reported to Chicago police that two men in ski masks attacked him in a racist and homophobic assault. Authorities later accused him of staging the entire incident, leading to criminal charges. He was convicted in 2021 of orchestrating the fake hate crime, but the Illinois Supreme Court overturned that conviction in November 2024. The reversal represented a significant legal victory for the actor, though it did not erase the reputational damage from the case.
Earlier in 2025, Smollett reached a settlement with the City of Chicago to resolve a civil lawsuit. The city had filed the suit in April 2019 seeking reimbursement for police investigation costs. As part of the agreement, Smollett donated $50,000 to Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a local nonprofit serving Chicago youth through arts programs. The actor emphasized that the donation was his choice and would benefit communities often neglected by those in power. He stressed that the settlement did not constitute an admission of guilt or payment to the city itself.
Actor maintains innocence despite closed cases
In a lengthy statement, Smollett maintained his innocence and criticized Chicago officials for creating what he called a false narrative. He claimed city leaders set out to convince the public he willfully staged an assault against himself, leaving a permanent stain on his character. The actor stated he never provided the confession or money officials wanted, and the settlement decision came after repeatedly refusing to pay the city directly. Despite the criminal case dismissal and civil suit resolution, he acknowledged many people will not change their minds about him or the reported attack.
Smollett expressed continued affection for Chicago despite the political situation surrounding his case. He said he would always support donations benefiting neglected Chicago communities. The actor declared himself innocent in the eyes of both God and the criminal justice system, vowing to continue creating art, fighting for causes he values, and defending his integrity and family name with the truth. His statement reflected a determination to move forward professionally while maintaining his version of events from 2019.
