50 Cent Cuts Ties with STARZ, Citing Network’s Collaboration with Diddy and Internal Conflicts
3 min read
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Rapper and entertainment mogul 50 Cent has officially parted ways with Starz, marking the end of a once-successful partnership that brought the network some of its highest-rated content. Known for his massively popular Power franchise, 50 Cent has been a staple at Starz for years, bringing spinoff after spinoff to the platform. But a new series involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, a former industry rival of 50 Cent, proved to be the final straw in a strained relationship with the network’s current CEO, Jeffrey Hirsch.
In a recent interview with Hot97, 50 Cent shared the details behind his decision, revealing that his issues with Hirsch stemmed from the executive’s past ties to Diddy. Years ago, Hirsch reportedly helped orchestrate the deal to establish Diddy’s Revolt media company. According to 50 Cent, this past association has lingered, affecting Hirsch’s decisions and alliances at Starz—a network that, 50 believes, should have shown more loyalty to him, given his contributions.
50 Cent breaks down his issue with the new Starz CEO Jeffrey Hirsch 👀 via @hot97 pic.twitter.com/Cj6TZNhWRz
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) November 1, 2024
The breaking point came when Starz announced a new series featuring Diddy and fellow rapper Fat Joe, a project produced by Diddy’s team and supported by LeBron James’ SpringHill production company. This show, while dating back to an older deal, has become a contentious point for 50 Cent, especially as legal issues continue to mount against Diddy, who recently stepped away from his involvement with Revolt amidst serious allegations, including a federal investigation related to sexual misconduct and trafficking.
Sharing his frustrations on social media, 50 Cent posted a screenshot of the show’s announcement, calling it a “sh*t head move” by Starz. He publicly expressed bewilderment at the network’s choice not to cancel the series despite Diddy’s recent controversies. As a final step, 50 tagged Fat Joe, remarking, “This is why I said I’ll wait to do the show,” signaling that he would no longer collaborate with Starz on principle.
Aside from his concerns over the Diddy-backed project, 50 Cent disclosed that he’d been unhappy with the way Starz promoted his shows, even noting that the network attempted to compete with him by launching projects that he felt mimicked his own ideas. He specifically pointed to the upcoming Fat Joe Talks show as an example, sharing his belief that Starz has been striving to duplicate his success with Power through other avenues.
True to his entrepreneurial spirit, 50 Cent has already lined up new ventures to fill the void left by his departure from Starz. In August, he secured a deal with Lionsgate to launch 50 Cent Action, a new channel that will feature a blend of original content, some of which will come from Lionsgate’s catalog, as well as exclusive access to the entire Power series library. Additionally, he has expanded his production reach by launching G-Unit Studios, an extension of his existing company that aims to grow his presence in film and television.
Beyond any personal grievances, 50 Cent’s decision to leave Starz underscores his strong stance on loyalty and principles in business. Though Starz has benefitted greatly from the Power franchise, 50’s issues with the network reveal a rift that goes beyond creative control. In his view, Hirsch’s longstanding connection to Diddy—a relationship established back when Hirsch helped broker the Revolt deal—has ultimately influenced Starz’s recent decisions. “Puff views him as a worker bee,” 50 said, explaining that Hirsch was instrumental in getting Revolt off the ground before he ascended to his current role as CEO of Starz.
As 50 Cent steps away from Starz, his departure leaves questions about the future of his projects, as well as the long-term impact on the network, which has undoubtedly benefited from the success of his shows. While Starz moves forward with its new Diddy-backed series, 50 Cent’s sights are set on fresh opportunities with new partners who, he believes, are more aligned with his vision.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
