50 Cent Calls Creator a 'Petty' Hire After Actor Speaks Out on Ghost
Omari Hardwick confirmed a behind-the-scenes shift on the series, prompting the rapper to claim he brought the writer to the show and that she wanted to kill off his character in Season 3.
By Abigail Brooks ·
50 Cent accused Courtney Kemp of wanting to write out his character, Ghost, as early as the third season of Power. He made the claim after Omari Hardwick, the actor who played Ghost, discussed changes in the production's dynamic during a recent interview.
Hardwick told the Associated Press that a shift occurred behind the scenes while the series was airing. He acknowledged that talented individuals are not always treated with respect. The actor stated that he had not previously taken a public side in the dispute between Kemp and 50 Cent. He noted that he has a long-standing relationship with the rapper and maintains a personal connection with Kemp.
50 Cent reacted to the interview on the social media platform X. He reposted a clip of Hardwick and wrote that Kemp had taken a large role in a small capacity. He added that she had forgotten he hired her. The post did not directly tag Kemp, but it followed his October interview with Variety, where he disputed Kemp's account of the show's history.
In that earlier interview, 50 Cent alleged that Kemp took excessive credit for the franchise. He also claimed she had inappropriate relationships with cast and crew members, though he has not provided public evidence for that specific accusation. Kemp responded by emphasizing that she created and wrote the series. She acknowledged that 50 Cent helped bring the show to television but maintained that her role as creator was distinct.
Hardwick has had previous financial discussions with 50 Cent. In 2022, the actor said on The Pivot podcast that he earned $150,000 per episode. He felt that amount was low for the lead role on a Starz drama. 50 Cent later said that Hardwick overestimated his own worth. These comments provide context to the current exchange, even though Hardwick's recent remarks were more diplomatic.
The original series ended in 2020, but the franchise continues through multiple spinoffs. Ghost remains one of the most recognizable characters in recent television drama. Kemp has not publicly responded to Hardwick's interview or 50 Cent's latest social media post. The dispute over creative credit and the treatment of the lead character remains open.
