50 Cent has come under a heavy backlash after making controversial comments regarding the sexual assault of Michael Rainey Jr., best known for his role as Tariq in the hit TV series Power.
The incident occurred during a Twitch livestream hosted by TyTy James, where Rainey Jr. was groped by the streamer’s younger sister.
Following the incident, which has since gone viral, 50 Cent took to Instagram to share his thoughts in a now-deleted post.
Dismissing the unwanted touching, he wrote that from a male perspective, it was simply an “aggressive advance” and suggested that Rainey Jr. was “fine” as no charges were being pressed. His remarks were accompanied by a frowning face emoji and a “LOL,” further enraging many.
The rapper and media mogul’s comments did not sit well with the public. Social media erupted with criticism, accusing 50 Cent of downplaying the severity of the assault.
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One user expressed outrage, noting that Rainey Jr. clearly felt uncomfortable and immediately left the stream after being inappropriately touched. They highlighted the double standard, pointing out that if the roles were reversed, the consequences would be much more severe for a male perpetrator.
Critics emphasized that 50 Cent’s dismissive attitude undermines the experiences of all victims of sexual assault, regardless of gender. They argued that his comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes and dismiss the reality that women can also be perpetrators of sexual violence.
Michael Rainey Jr. addressed the incident on his Instagram Stories in response to the uproar. He expressed shock and disbelief over what had transpired, underscoring that he could not take the situation lightly. Rainey Jr. emphasized the seriousness of sexual assault, asserting that it is never acceptable, regardless of the gender involved. He called for mutual respect and highlighted the importance of holding everyone accountable for their actions.
TyTy James also publicly apologized to Rainey Jr. and his family. He expressed embarrassment and disgust over his sister’s behavior and assured them she would be banned from future streams.