50 Cent has reignited his feud with Jay-Z, publicly questioning whether the rapper should continue producing the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show amid recent allegations of sexual assault against him. The controversy stems from a civil lawsuit filed on Sunday, accusing Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of assaulting a 13-year-old girl at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as “heinous” and part of a blackmail attempt orchestrated by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee.
In a fiery statement, Carter labeled Buzbee a “deplorable human” and an “ambulance chaser in a cheap suit,” vowing to clear his name and exposing what he calls a fraudulent lawsuit.
50 Cent’s Criticism
Despite Jay-Z’s protestations of innocence, his longtime rival Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has wasted no time weighing in. Jackson took to Instagram, sharing a viral meme of himself laughing in a car before driving away, captioned: “Ok, I don’t know what’s going on, but are we gonna still have the Super Bowl [halftime show]? ? I’m just asking for a friend!” The post seemed to imply that Jay-Z should step away from his role producing the iconic halftime show in light of the allegations.
This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has publicly clashed with Jay-Z. The two have a history of trading barbs dating back to the late 1990s. More recently, Jackson accused Carter of attempting to exclude him from the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show lineup, a move he claims was reversed only after Eminem threatened to withdraw.
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Jay-Z’s Role in the Halftime Show
Jay-Z and his Roc Nation company have been instrumental in producing the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show since 2020. Under his guidance, the show has featured high-profile acts such as Rihanna, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and even his wife, Beyoncé. This year, Usher headlined Super Bowl LVII, while Kendrick Lamar is slated to lead the halftime show for the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans.
50 Cent’s comments have added fuel to an already heated situation, with fans and critics now debating whether the NFL should reconsider Jay-Z’s involvement in its marquee event.
Jay-Z’s Defiant Response
In a lengthy statement released on Sunday, Jay-Z categorically denied the allegations and outlined his plan to fight the lawsuit. He accused Buzbee of filing the civil suit for “personal gain” rather than seeking justice for the alleged victim.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Carter wrote. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion.”
Jay-Z challenged Buzbee to pursue a criminal complaint if the accusations are genuine, adding: “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Carter further criticized Buzbee’s track record, accusing him of engaging in “theatrics” and labeling him a disgrace to his claimed Marine Corps background.
The Impact on Jay-Z’s Family
Jay-Z also expressed concern about the toll the lawsuit would take on his family, particularly his children with Beyoncé—11-year-old Blue Ivy and 7-year-old twins Rumi and Sir.
“My only heartbreak is for my family,” Carter said. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence.”
What’s Next?
As the lawsuit unfolds, questions remain about its impact on Jay-Z’s professional and personal life. For now, he continues to stand firm in his denial, vowing to fight the allegations and protect his family’s reputation.
Meanwhile, 50 Cent’s remarks have further amplified public scrutiny, putting pressure on the NFL to decide whether Carter will remain involved with the Super Bowl halftime show.
