**50 Cent’s Longstanding Feud with Oprah: A Tale of Betrayal and Advocacy**
For years now, 50 Cent has waged a high-profile battle against Oprah Winfrey, accusing the media mogul of exploiting Black talent while enriching herself.
The latest flare-up in this ongoing feud has seen 50 Cent amplify his criticism in the wake of recent disputes involving actress Taraji P. Henson and Oprah.
The conflict between 50 Cent and Oprah began long before their recent exchanges. 50 Cent has long accused Oprah of using Black actors to build her empire and then discarding them once her projects are complete.
This critique resurfaced during the current dispute between Oprah and Taraji P. Henson, who has publicly criticized Oprah for allegedly underpaying her for her role in the film adaptation of *The Color Purple*.
Taraji P. Henson has claimed that she hasn’t seen a pay raise since her role in *Proud Mary* six years ago. She even considered turning down Oprah’s offer to join *The Color Purple* due to what she felt was a disrespectful compensation.
Despite her hesitations, Henson joined the film, but her frustrations with the pay and treatment have sparked a renewed focus on Oprah’s alleged patterns of mistreatment.
In a series of social media posts, 50 Cent has supported Taraji, accusing Oprah of being a “Hollywood puppet” who takes advantage of Black actors.
He has also drawn attention to Oprah’s history of undervaluing Black talent, including his earlier defense of comedian Mo’Nique. Mo’Nique had publicly accused Oprah and Tyler Perry of undervaluing her work on *Precious*, a claim that led to a significant fallout in the industry.
50 Cent was among the few who defended Mo’Nique, calling out Oprah and Perry for their handling of her career and their perceived efforts to blacklist her.
50 Cent’s disdain for Oprah is deeply personal. He has long resented Oprah’s apparent disregard for hip-hop culture and her refusal to support his music.
As a rising rapper, 50 Cent sought to appear on Oprah’s show to gain mainstream acceptance and demonstrate his success to his family. However, Oprah’s dismissive attitude towards hip-hop, which she once characterized as contrary to her brand, led to a public snub that fueled 50 Cent’s animosity.
The rapper’s disdain for Oprah took a more petty turn when he named his pets after Oprah’s best friend, Gail King, mocking the media mogul’s influence. This act was not just a personal slight but a broader statement of his frustration with Oprah’s impact on the entertainment industry.
The tension between 50 Cent and Oprah has also been exacerbated by their public interactions. During a promotional appearance for the film *Crash*, Oprah reportedly criticized 50 Cent’s music while praising his acting performance, a move that 50 Cent perceived as disingenuous and disrespectful. Oprah’s attempt to dictate his music choices during the interview further fueled his resentment.
In addition, comedian Dave Chappelle’s appearance on Oprah’s show added another layer of drama. Chappelle, who had famously walked away from a $50 million Comedy Central contract and sought refuge in Africa, revealed that Oprah had pressured him to label himself as mentally ill.
This interaction, where Oprah seemingly dismissed Chappelle’s concerns and attempted to gaslight him, further solidified 50 Cent’s negative view of Oprah.
The most recent controversy involves claims that Oprah paid Taraji P. Henson a mere $500,000 for her role in *The Color Purple*, despite the film’s substantial box office success.
This revelation, if true, highlights a pattern of underpayment and exploitation that 50 Cent has consistently accused Oprah of perpetuating.
With *The Color Purple* earning over $18 million on its first day, many believe that Oprah could have offered fair compensation but chose instead to keep a larger share of the profits.
In response to these events, 50 Cent has continued to use his platform to advocate for fair treatment of Black actors. He has publicly supported Taraji P. Henson and Mo’Nique, urging industry figures to acknowledge and correct the injustices they have faced.
50 Cent’s feud with Oprah underscores a broader issue within the entertainment industry: the treatment of Black artists and the power dynamics at play.
As 50 Cent continues to call out Oprah and other industry figures, his actions highlight the need for transparency and fairness in the treatment of all artists, regardless of their race.
In conclusion, 50 Cent’s ongoing battle with Oprah is not just a personal vendetta but a larger critique of systemic issues within Hollywood. His advocacy for fair treatment and his vocal support for Black actors reveal his commitment to challenging the status quo and demanding change.
As the drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this high-profile feud will influence broader industry practices and the treatment of Black talent in Hollywood.
