50 Cent is accusing Verizon CEO Dan Schulman of cutting New York and New Jersey viewers off from his STARZ television empire. The rapper launched a sharp critique against the executive after a carriage dispute led to the removal of STARZ channels, on-demand programming, and app access for Fios customers.
The conflict began when the carriage agreement between the two entities expired on Wednesday night. Taking to social media, 50 Cent expressed his frustration regarding the blackout, specifically highlighting the impact on his production slate.
“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!!” 50 Cent wrote.
Dan Schulman took over as Verizon’s chief executive in October 2025 after spending nine years leading digital payments giant PayPal.
The blackout reaches beyond 50 Cent’s New York-New Jersey warning because the failed renewal affects Verizon Fios customers receiving STARZ through the provider. STARZ Networks President Alison Hoffman blamed Verizon for the impasse and stated that the company remains willing to restore service through a new distribution agreement.
“Despite extensive efforts by STARZ to reach a renewal agreement and preserve uninterrupted access for Verizon Fios customers, Verizon has chosen to remove STARZ. Verizon has mischaracterized our position, shown an unwillingness to negotiate and has been unproductive in progressing towards a mutually beneficial outcome,” Hoffman said.
While 50 Cent’s exclusive deal with the network ended in 2022, his G-Unit Film & Television production company continues to produce projects for the platform, including Fightland and ongoing installments of the Power franchise. This latest dispute adds to a history of public tension between the rapper and network leadership regarding production timelines and scheduling.
Verizon stated prior to the blackout that it remained “actively engaged in constructive discussions,” though the carriage fight remains unresolved as of this writing.
