50 Cent Says Omari Hardwick "Overvalues Himself" After 'Power' Pay Dispute

The connection between Power star Omari Hardwick and the show's executive producer Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson seems to be deteriorating. Hardwick's claims that he was underpaid during his time on the popular STARZ series have led to recent comments suggesting a rift. 50 Cent discussed Hardwick's complaints during an interview on The Breakfast Club, responding to the actor's remarks about compensation that implied he was undervalued by the network. https://youtu.be/qXB3wZoH51E

“I think he overvalues himself,” 50 Cent remarked. The rapper and media mogul explained his stance, saying, “It’s been a long time since he’s been in Power. Why are we not excited about the new projects?”

Hardwick's claim of making $150,000 per episode is the source of the tension between the two stars. He revealed a figure in a 2022 interview on The Pivot podcast, and said that it was too low for a lead actor. https://youtu.be/_e9eFaWqQAc Hardwick acknowledged that the low pay was largely a decision made by STARZ, but also noted that both 50 Cent and Power creator Courtney Kemp were aware of his financial difficulties. Hardwick admitted that he took out a loan from 50 Cent to help his family during the off-seasons, a loan he was proud to repay. 50 Cent, seemingly irritated by any suggestion of fault on his part, asserted that he ensured that other Power cast members, such as Mary J. Blige were also taken care of and well-compensated.

“If you’re saying, ‘Courtney and 50 know,’ you’re leaving it like ’50 didn’t make sure I got paid,’”

The notion that 50 was uninformed about Hardwick's pay issues was shocking, as he emphasized his efforts to ensure fair compensation wherever possible. The dispute over pay and recognition raises more questions about the changing expectations for actors involved in streaming and TV hits. Hardwick's experience reveals the reality for actors who could still be undervalued despite being the star of a successful series. What Hardwick and 50 Cent started as a professional and supportive relationship has now become a public reminder of the financial disputes that are often not seen in the entertainment industry.