50 Cent urges ‘Power’ fans to switch providers after STARZ goes dark on Verizon Fios

The rapper and producer urged viewers in New York and New Jersey to consider switching providers after STARZ disappeared from Verizon Fios.

50 Cent is asking Verizon customers to consider switching providers after STARZ disappeared from the company’s Fios TV lineup, cutting off access to the network’s programming, including the “Power” franchise he helped build.

The rapper and television producer addressed the dispute on Instagram after STARZ and Verizon failed to reach a new distribution agreement. TMZ reported Thursday that 50 Cent specifically directed his message toward Power viewers in New York and New Jersey, warning that they could lose access to his shows and other STARZ programming.

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“New beef alert, if you’re in NY or NJ you won’t be able to see the POWER universe or other shows I produce for STARZ because this shit head Dan Schulman decided there is no need for diversity. He said no one watches, STARZ in NY, or NJ. #Street Fighter OCT16 take is available now.!” read 50’s caption.

The blackout began after the previous agreement between STARZ and Verizon expired without a replacement deal. Fios customers have lost access to STARZ’s linear channels, STARZ On Demand and the STARZ app through their Verizon subscription.

That puts the dispute directly in the path of fans of “Power” and its expanding television universe. 50 Cent’s G-Unit Film & Television produces “Power” and its spinoffs for STARZ, making the carriage fight particularly relevant to his television business.

STARZ Networks President Alison Hoffman has accused Verizon of being unwilling to reach a renewal agreement and said the removal of the network limits customers’ access to programming aimed at women and historically underrepresented audiences. STARZ said it remains prepared to negotiate an agreement that would restore its programming to Fios.

Verizon has offered a different explanation. The company says STARZ sought terms that did not reflect current market conditions and argued that accepting those demands could increase costs for customers. Verizon has also said it remains open to reaching an agreement.

The disagreement means Fios subscribers are caught between two companies that have publicly blamed each other for the failed negotiations. There is currently no announced date for STARZ’s return to the Fios lineup.

Viewers who do not want to wait can still access STARZ through its standalone streaming service or other television platforms that carry the network.

The dispute between 50 Cent and Verizon reflects a broader fight over how traditional cable distribution and streaming access are changing. With STARZ programming tied closely to the “Power” franchise, the blackout has also turned into a public pressure campaign, leaving viewers to decide whether to switch providers or use STARZ’s other viewing options.