Rapper 50 Cent found himself at the center of a social media storm after sharing a photo with Rep. Lauren Boebert during his visit to Capitol Hill. The unexpected snapshot, taken during his advocacy for Black entrepreneurs in the liquor industry, quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions online.
The “In da Club” artist, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, posted the photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a caption that read, “Lauren Boebert, Colorado Republican making the white house [sic] look good,” accompanied by a winky face emoji. The post immediately drew attention, with many users referencing Boebert’s infamous theater incident in Denver, where she was caught on camera engaging in inappropriate behavior during a performance of “Beetlejuice.”
Comments flooded in, with one user quipping, “What movie did you guys see?” and another chiming in with, “Beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice.” The references were to Boebert’s controversial date, which had led to her being ejected from the theater.
50 Cent, seemingly taken aback by the intense focus on his photo with Boebert, responded on X, saying, “Wait, wait, guys I took pictures with everyone and all you seem to care about is Lauren. What did she do in a dark theater that hasn’t been done, my God! Hey I don’t have chlamydia by the way. LOL.”
During his visit to Washington, D.C., 50 Cent met with various politicians from both parties, including Rep. Joyce Beatty, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Rep. Steve Scalise. His primary mission was to advocate for increased Black representation in the liquor industry, a cause he passionately supports through his own company, Sire Spirits.
Despite the numerous photos he shared with other lawmakers, none garnered as much attention as the one with Boebert. The Colorado Republican also posted the photo on her X page, adding, “I’d still love you if you flipped burgers at Burger King. @50Cent, I used to do that myself! Thanks for the photo, great to meet you!”
The rapper’s visit to Capitol Hill was not just about photo ops. He was there to discuss economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, a topic he addressed during a press conference with civil rights attorney Ben Crump. “The response I got makes me feel like there are bright days ahead of us,” 50 Cent said, expressing optimism about the future.
However, the photo with Boebert overshadowed much of his advocacy work, with many social media users expressing disappointment. One commenter wrote, “You disappoint me Curtis. Got a taste of that MAGAt money, didn’t you? Sold out your principles.” Another added, “This is why I don’t pay rappers any attention when it comes to politics.”
Not everyone was critical, though. Some fans defended the rapper, with one user commenting, “This is what’s up [fire emoji].” Another praised him as a “national treasure,” highlighting his achievements as a rapper, entrepreneur, and author.
The controversy surrounding Boebert stems from her behavior at the “Beetlejuice” musical, where she was seen vaping and groping her date. The incident led to a significant backlash, with many donors withdrawing their support and endorsements. Boebert later issued an apology for her actions.
50 Cent’s involvement in politics is not new. He has previously made headlines for his comments on various political issues. Recently, he remarked on the significant support Donald Trump has received from Black men, attributing it to their identification with Trump’s legal battles. The rapper has yet to decide who he will support in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
In a separate post, 50 Cent referenced his ongoing legal dispute with Suntory Global Spirits, alleging that the company had damaged his business by overcharging on taxes, customs, and insurance. This issue was also part of his discussions with lawmakers during his Capitol Hill visit.
Despite the backlash, 50 Cent remains focused on his mission to promote Black entrepreneurship. His visit to Washington, D.C., was a step towards achieving greater representation and economic opportunities for Black individuals in the liquor industry.
As the photo with Boebert continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between celebrity, politics, and public perception. For 50 Cent, the unexpected reaction to his Capitol Hill visit underscores the challenges and scrutiny that come with being a public figure advocating for change.
