50 Cent Weighs In on Jussie Smollett's Harlem Pride Performance, Igniting Online Debate

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson recently offered his perspective on actor Jussie Smollett’s return to the stage, years after allegations surfaced regarding a staged hate crime. The 50-year-old rapper, who has a history of rivalry with Smollett stemming from their respective television series, took to social media on Sunday to critique Smollett’s performance.

The executive producer of the popular “Power” franchise posted a video on Instagram showing the former “Empire” star performing at Harlem Pride’s “17 Shades of Pride” celebration over the past weekend. This isn't the first time 50 Cent has publicly commented on Smollett; he previously mocked the actor in 2019 for referring to himself as the “gay Tupac.”

“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 the performance video.

While both “Power” and “Empire” debuted around the same period and featured wealthy Black families in New York, their narratives differed significantly. However, 50 Cent frequently fueled a fan rivalry by consistently trolling “Empire” on social media, asserting “Power” was the superior program. He intensified this rivalry during Smollett’s 2019 controversy, repeatedly criticizing both the actor and “Empire.”

Public Response Divided

Smollett’s recent performance drew mixed reactions. Some online observers openly criticized his singing and what they perceived as a “sad” attempt at a comeback. However, others quickly came to his defense, including “Queer Eye” personality 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 Cent’s post.

Support for Smollett also appeared on other platforms. “People make mistakes but life doesn’t have to end! Let him work man,” one user posted. Another commenter noted, “He looks healthy, like he's been working out and keeping up with his skin regiment. I pray over these years, he has also gotten the spiritual & mental healing he needed as well. Cheers to better days!”

Conversely, many expressed less favorable opinions. “Glad he ain’t hurt no more but he’s out here hurting our ears,” one user wrote. Another questioned, “Have we forgiven him yet?” A third commenter added, “He was thinking this moment is gonna fix everything. Nope.”

Smollett's Legal Saga and Statement

The actor initially reported to Chicago Police in January 2019 that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault by two masked individuals. In 2021, he was convicted of staging the hate crime, though this conviction was subsequently overturned in November 2024.

Following a settlement with the City of Chicago in 2025, Smollett agreed to make a $50,000 charitable donation, leading to the dismissal of a civil lawsuit against him.

“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,” Smollett stated.

He continued, “Therefore, making a donation to benefit Chicago communities that are too often neglected by those in power will always be something I support. 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 emphasized that despite the overturning of criminal charges and the dismissal of the civil case, he understands 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.”

He concluded by affirming, “I will continue creating my art, fighting passionately for causes I hold dear and defending my integrity and family name with the truth.”

Smollett’s performance coincided with a vibrant Pride weekend in New York City, which also included the NYC Pride Parade, attended by thousands, including New York City congressional candidate Brad Lander.