Overview
- Jussie Smollett returned to live singing at Harlem Pride’s “17 Shades of Pride” on Saturday, June 27, marking his first full live set in eight years and featuring songs from his album My Party.
- Hours later, 50 Cent posted video clips of Smollett’s performance to Instagram with a mocking caption that revived their long‑running Power versus Empire rivalry.
- Smollett’s team responded with restraint, issuing a short public statement and leaving most supportive commentary to allies such as Karamo Brown, who defended the quality of the performance.
- Entertainment outlets reported that 50 Cent is slated to play a private, members‑only MAGA club event hosted by Donald Trump Jr. before July 4, a claim described in coverage as limited and not independently confirmed.
- The episode reopened debate over Smollett’s public standing by recalling his 2019 allegation, a 2021 conviction that was overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2024, and a 2025 settlement with the City of Chicago that included a $50,000 charitable payment.