Overview
- Rapper 50 Cent posted video from Jussie Smollett’s Harlem Pride performance with a caption invoking the old Power versus Empire rivalry and a mocking “LOL” comment.
- Smollett returned to the stage for Harlem Pride’s “17 Shades of Pride,” marking his first live singing set in eight years and drawing viral clips of the show.
- Smollett’s camp issued a brief, measured reply through publicist Pamela Sharp that said, “We hope he had a happy Pride,” rather than escalating the feud.
- Public reaction was mixed with some attendees and figures like Karamo Brown defending Smollett’s set while other viewers criticized his vocals or questioned whether forgiveness was due.
- Reports that 50 Cent is scheduled to perform at a private MAGA members-only club around July 4 have intensified scrutiny of his trolling because critics say the appearance adds a political dimension to the exchange.