ArtistDirect News
Smollett-Cent Feud Reignites After Harlem Pride Performance
The stage lights of Harlem Pride’s 17 Shades of Pride event on June 27, 2026, became the backdrop for a fresh clash between actor‑turned‑musician Jussie Smollett and rapper 50 Cent. In the days that followed, 50 Cent posted a clip of Smollett’s set on Instagram, adding a caption that dragged the two men back into a familiar drama that began on the television sets of Empire and Power.
The clip, accompanied by the caption, “See I told you ‘POWER’ was the s---, but no you want to watch ‘Empire.’ Now look this is all your fault. LOL,” was a pointed reminder of the long‑running rivalry that has followed both men since their crossover into music. Smollett’s publicist quickly issued a brief statement, urging the rapper to “focus on his own affairs” and to let the conversation stay within the bounds of their respective careers.
The roots of the dispute stretch back to 2019, when Smollett claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago. Police investigations later concluded the incident was staged, and Smollett was charged with filing a false police report. He was found guilty on five counts in December 2021 and sentenced to jail in March 2022, though he was released after six days. In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction, citing due‑process violations. The following year, Smollett settled a lawsuit with the City of Chicago, agreeing to donate $50,000 to charity.
At the Harlem Pride celebration, Smollett delivered a performance that polarized online audiences. Critics took issue with his vocal delivery, while supporters—including Queer Eye host Karamo Brown—defended the artist’s effort as a meaningful statement of identity. The event marked the 17th anniversary of Harlem Pride, a festival that honors LGBTQ+ culture and community in New York City.
50 Cent’s Instagram video was not the first time the rapper targeted Smollett. The rapper has a history of mocking Empire and Smollett, especially during the 2019 legal turmoil. Fox News reported the post and noted that Smollett’s spokesperson urged 50 Cent to focus on his personal matters. No official statements from either party have clarified the intent behind the exchange.
Smollett remains active in entertainment, appearing in a Netflix documentary and competing as a contestant on the reality series Special Forces. No new legal actions have been announced, and 50 Cent has not issued a follow‑up statement. The feud, while still a point of public interest, appears to be a sporadic public dispute rather than a sustained conflict.
In summary, the clash between Smollett and 50 Cent has resurfaced following Smollett’s Harlem Pride performance. The exchange highlights the enduring tension between the two figures, rooted in Smollett’s 2019 hate‑crime allegations and the broader media narratives surrounding their respective television careers. As both artists continue to pursue projects outside the spotlight, the feud remains a sporadic public exchange rather than an ongoing battle.
The clip, accompanied by the caption, “See I told you ‘POWER’ was the s---, but no you want to watch ‘Empire.’ Now look this is all your fault. LOL,” was a pointed reminder of the long‑running rivalry that has followed both men since their crossover into music. Smollett’s publicist quickly issued a brief statement, urging the rapper to “focus on his own affairs” and to let the conversation stay within the bounds of their respective careers.
The roots of the dispute stretch back to 2019, when Smollett claimed he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago. Police investigations later concluded the incident was staged, and Smollett was charged with filing a false police report. He was found guilty on five counts in December 2021 and sentenced to jail in March 2022, though he was released after six days. In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction, citing due‑process violations. The following year, Smollett settled a lawsuit with the City of Chicago, agreeing to donate $50,000 to charity.
At the Harlem Pride celebration, Smollett delivered a performance that polarized online audiences. Critics took issue with his vocal delivery, while supporters—including Queer Eye host Karamo Brown—defended the artist’s effort as a meaningful statement of identity. The event marked the 17th anniversary of Harlem Pride, a festival that honors LGBTQ+ culture and community in New York City.
50 Cent’s Instagram video was not the first time the rapper targeted Smollett. The rapper has a history of mocking Empire and Smollett, especially during the 2019 legal turmoil. Fox News reported the post and noted that Smollett’s spokesperson urged 50 Cent to focus on his personal matters. No official statements from either party have clarified the intent behind the exchange.
Smollett remains active in entertainment, appearing in a Netflix documentary and competing as a contestant on the reality series Special Forces. No new legal actions have been announced, and 50 Cent has not issued a follow‑up statement. The feud, while still a point of public interest, appears to be a sporadic public dispute rather than a sustained conflict.
In summary, the clash between Smollett and 50 Cent has resurfaced following Smollett’s Harlem Pride performance. The exchange highlights the enduring tension between the two figures, rooted in Smollett’s 2019 hate‑crime allegations and the broader media narratives surrounding their respective television careers. As both artists continue to pursue projects outside the spotlight, the feud remains a sporadic public exchange rather than an ongoing battle.