Rapper and actor 50 Cent has called into question the National Football League’s ongoing partnership with Jay-Z for its Super Bowl halftime shows following allegations linking Jay-Z to a rape accusation in connection with the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex-trafficking investigation.

Jay-Z, who has been a partner with the NFL for its halftime shows since 2019, is facing increasing scrutiny.

His collaboration with the league was initially controversial, as it marked a reversal from his prior refusal to participate in the NFL’s 2018 Super Bowl halftime show.

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Since joining forces with the league, Jay-Z has not only co-produced the high-profile event but has also been instrumental in shaping the NFL’s social justice initiatives.

In light of the allegations, 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, used his Instagram account to publicly comment on the situation. Referring to Jay-Z’s role in producing the Super Bowl halftime show, 50 Cent wrote, “Ok I don’t know what’s going on, but are we gonna still have the Super Bowl worried emoji I’m just asking for a friend!”

 

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This is not the first time 50 Cent has publicly clashed with Jay-Z regarding the NFL.

In 2022, 50 Cent accused Jay-Z of attempting to block his participation in that year’s halftime show.

Despite the controversy, the NFL has not indicated any plans to alter its partnership with Jay-Z or its halftime show schedule.

Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime performance next year in New Orleans, capping off the 2024 NFL season.

Jay-Z has denied the rape allegations, which were filed by attorney Tony Buzbee. Buzbee is representing an anonymous accuser in a lawsuit alleging that Jay-Z and Sean Combs, among others, were involved in a series of criminal acts. Jay-Z has characterized the claims as false and driven by financial motives.

In a public statement, Jay-Z described Buzbee as “a deplorable human” and accused him of attempting extortion.

“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Jay-Z said in his statement. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle.”

Jay-Z declared that he would not pay any settlement, stating, “It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!”

Jay-Z further questioned the legitimacy of the lawsuit, pointing out that no criminal charges have been filed. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!” he stated. “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”

Jay-Z also expressed frustration over the impact the allegations have had on his family, particularly his children.

“My only heartbreak is for my family. 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,” he said.

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— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 9, 2024

As the allegations against Jay-Z unfold, pressure is mounting on the NFL to address the controversy.

While some, like 50 Cent, have publicly questioned the league’s partnership with Jay-Z, others are waiting to see how the NFL navigates the situation amid ongoing scrutiny.

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