50 Cent is escalating his battle with Verizon, publicly calling on “Power” fans to switch providers after the telecom giant blocked access to STARZ programming. The rapper and television producer didn’t hold back, targeting Verizon CEO Dan Schulman directly on Instagram during what’s become a heated carriage dispute.
Verizon Fios customers lost access to STARZ’s full lineup, a move that particularly impacts viewers across New York and New Jersey. Beyond “Power”—which has become something of a cultural phenomenon—the blackout threatens access to “Outlander,” “P-Valley,” “S.W.A.T.: Exiles,” and the upcoming “Fightland,” along with STARZ’s entire film catalog. For 50 Cent, whose G-Unit production company created much of the network’s prestige content, the stakes feel personal.
STARZ President Alison Hoffman has framed the dispute as broader than just money. She’s pointed out that the blackout could limit viewer access to programming that specifically centers women and underrepresented audiences—a significant concern in an entertainment landscape where such shows remain relatively scarce.
Verizon’s position centers on pricing. A company spokesperson told media outlets that while STARZ sells its streaming service directly to consumers for $2.50 monthly, the network is demanding Verizon customers pay double for the same content through their cable bundle. The telecom argues it’s protecting consumers from inflated rates.
“We remain open to reaching a sensible resolution to restore these channels,” Verizon said in a statement, while dismissing STARZ’s criticism as “baseless claims” meant to distract from what they characterize as a straightforward contract negotiation.
These disputes between content providers and distributors have become routine in the streaming era. What makes this one notable is 50 Cent’s willingness to mobilize viewers on social media and his financial stake in STARZ’s success. His production output has been central to the network’s brand identity, particularly among younger and Black audiences who’ve helped drive the success of the “Power” universe. The blackout serves as a reminder of how fragmented the television landscape has become, and how quickly access to beloved shows can disappear when business relationships break down.
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