In the world of entertainment, few feuds are as high-profile as the one between rapper 50 Cent and media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The animosity between the two celebrities has been simmering for years, fueled by personal disagreements and professional clashes.
The rivalry traces back to 50 Cent’s early career. Eager to cement his status and impress his grandmother, a fan of Oprah’s, 50 Cent sought to appear on her show. However, Oprah’s disinterest in his music and her clear refusal to feature him was a significant blow to the rapper, marking the beginning of their strained relationship. In response, 50 Cent took to social media and his music to diss Oprah, even naming one of his dogs “Oprah” as a jab at her.
But the discord between 50 Cent and Oprah is not merely personal. The rapper has criticized Oprah for her perceived neglect of Black artists and her closeness to Hollywood elites, including controversial figures like Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein. Oprah’s past association with Weinstein, despite his later criminal convictions, has been a focal point of criticism. Despite Weinstein’s well-documented misconduct, Oprah’s silence on his actions contrasts sharply with her active promotion of the Michael Jackson documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which focused on allegations against the late singer.
50 Cent has accused Oprah of selective justice, questioning why she focused on Black figures like Jackson and Russell Simmons while avoiding scrutiny of high-profile white predators. This claim is compounded by his criticism of Oprah’s close friend Gayle King’s interview with R. Kelly, which 50 Cent felt publicly condemned the singer without due process.
The rapper’s critique extends to Oprah’s treatment of Black actors in Hollywood. 50 Cent has voiced support for actress Taraji P. Henson, who accused Oprah of underpaying her for her role in “The Color Purple.” The drama surrounding this issue, coupled with TikTok users analyzing Henson’s demeanor during press events, has fueled speculation about a strained relationship between the actress and Oprah.
Furthermore, 50 Cent’s advocacy extends to comedian Mo’Nique, who has faced significant challenges in her career. Mo’Nique’s claims of being blackballed after her Academy Award win for “Precious” have found an ally in 50 Cent. He has publicly supported her, questioning why she has struggled to land major roles and pushing for a broader discussion about fairness and transparency in Hollywood.
The rapper’s commitment to supporting Mo’Nique, along with his criticism of Oprah’s actions and associations, reflects a broader conversation about the power dynamics and treatment of artists in the entertainment industry. As the drama continues, it remains to be seen whether 50 Cent’s efforts will lead to meaningful change or merely add another chapter to Hollywood’s complex narrative.
