’50 Cent’ Jackson bothered by similarities in promoting Fox’s ‘Empire’ and his Starz series

PASADENA, Calif. – Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson isn’t happy with the makers of Fox’s new drama about the music industry, “Empire.”

The rap artist and actor has gone online to grouse about how promotions for “Empire” were similar to those for “Power,” the Starz network action series that is about to begin its second season. Jackson is an executive producer who also acts in the series, and he’ll be appearing more frequently in the second season.

He noted Friday that “Empire” used the word “power” in advertising images.

“They didn’t have to do that,” Jackson said.

An “Empire” promotion features actors Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson with smouldering expressions, similar to a “Power” image of actors Omari Hardwick and Naturi Naughton.

After Jackson used his social media account to point out the similarities recently, Henson responded on Twitter: “I pay attention to $, not cents,” adding a peace sign emoji.

“Can you say anything bad when a woman says something to you and not be inappropriate?” Jackson said. “So I just laughed about it and let it brush. That’s cool. I think there’s room for more actual television shows.”

Both programs have primarily African-American casts. But they’re thematically different; the connection to the music business is much more a part of the Fox series.