Jussie Smollett responded after 50 Cent took another public shot at him, reigniting their long-running “Power” versus “Empire” rivalry during the final weekend of Pride Month.
The drama started after Smollett performed at Harlem Pride’s “17 Shades of Pride” celebration on June 27. The event marked a major return to the stage for Smollett, who has spent years away from the spotlight while dealing with legal battles and public controversy.
Not long after footage from the performance surfaced, 50 Cent shared a clip online and used it as an opportunity to revisit their old television rivalry.
“See I told you POWER was the s—, No you want to watch Empire. Now look this is all your fault. LOL,” 50 wrote.
The comment referenced the long-running competition between 50 Cent’s hit series “Power” and Smollett’s former show “Empire,” which were once viewed as rivals in the TV world.
Smollett’s team chose not to escalate the situation. His publicist Pamela Sharp responded with a short statement:
“We hope he had a happy Pride.”
The calm response stood in contrast to 50 Cent’s usual trolling style, allowing Smollett to focus on the significance of his performance rather than the online feud.
This is not the first time 50 has targeted Smollett. In 2019, the rapper mocked Smollett after he described himself as the “gay Tupac,” continuing a pattern of public criticism between the two.
The timing of the latest exchange also sparked discussion, as it happened during Pride Month’s closing celebrations — a period meant to highlight LGBTQ+ community, visibility and support.
Despite the distraction, Smollett’s performance represented a personal comeback moment after years of controversy. His return to live performances and media appearances shows his attempt to rebuild his public image and move forward.
Meanwhile, 50 Cent continues to prove that no old rivalry is ever truly over — especially when there is an opportunity for a viral moment.
