Taraji P. Henson, the acclaimed actress known for her iconic role as Cookie Lyon on Empire, did not hold back when she addressed rapper 50 Cent’s long-standing criticism of the hit TV show. During an appearance on T.I.’s podcast, ExpediTIously, Henson took the opportunity to call out 50 Cent for his repeated jabs at Empire, accusing him of unfairly targeting the series while promoting his own show, Power.

50 Cent, who serves as an executive producer and actor on Power, has a history of throwing shade at Empire, often mocking the show’s ratings and storylines. His frequent social media posts comparing the two series stirred tension between fans of both shows, with 50 Cent even suggesting that Empire copied elements from Power.

During the podcast, Henson expressed her frustration with 50 Cent’s actions, accusing him of being unnecessarily harsh and divisive in his criticisms. “What was the point of going after Empire like that?” Henson asked. “He kept coming for us, for what? To promote his own show? It was petty.”

Henson, who is known for her strong and outspoken personality, went on to emphasize the importance of unity within the entertainment industry, particularly among Black creators. “We’re all out here trying to create something, trying to tell stories that matter,” she said. “Why tear each other down when there’s room for everyone?”

The actress also pointed out that both Empire and Power have made significant contributions to the representation of Black culture on television, arguing that pitting the two shows against each other only detracts from their collective achievements. “We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other apart for clout,” Henson stated.

While 50 Cent has yet to respond to Henson’s comments, the rapper has never been one to shy away from controversy. Known for his relentless trolling on social media, it remains to be seen whether he will address her remarks directly or continue with his usual antics.

For now, Taraji P. Henson’s public critique on T.I.’s podcast has reignited the conversation about how competition within the entertainment industry can sometimes overshadow the bigger picture of representation and unity. Fans of both Empire and Power are left wondering whether this will bring an end to the feud or fuel more drama between the two TV titans.