50 Cent is taking aim at Verizon over its STARZ blackout, urging “Power” fans to consider dumping the provider as the companies remain locked in a carriage dispute.
The rapper and TV mogul called out Verizon and CEO Dan Schulman on Instagram after Verizon Fios customers lost access to STARZ programming amid stalled negotiations over a new distribution agreement.
50 Cent specifically urged fans, including viewers in New York and New Jersey, to switch providers so they do not miss “Power” and other STARZ programming.
The dispute could affect more than just the “Power” universe. STARZ says Verizon customers could also lose access to shows including “Outlander,” “P-Valley,” “S.W.A.T.: Exiles” and the upcoming “Fightland,” along with the network’s movie library.
For 50 Cent, the issue hits particularly close to home. His G-Unit Film & Television banner produces “Power,” its spinoffs and “BMF,” giving him a significant stake in the programming available through STARZ.
STARZ President Alison Hoffman has also criticized the blackout, saying the dispute could limit access to programming that serves women and underrepresented audiences.
Verizon, however, is pushing back against STARZ’s position.
A Verizon spokesperson told TMZ the company was disappointed that STARZ removed its premium channels from the Verizon Fios lineup. The company also pointed to STARZ’s direct-to-consumer pricing, saying the network is currently offering its service for as little as $2.50 per month while seeking twice that amount from Verizon customers for access to the same content.
“Verizon proudly offers a rich, diverse array of programming across our platform,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company remains open to reaching an agreement that would restore the channels.
Verizon also accused STARZ of making what it called “baseless claims” to distract from what it described as a fair contract negotiation.
For now, the dispute has turned a television carriage fight into a very public celebrity-backed battle, with 50 Cent making it clear where he stands: If Verizon and STARZ cannot reach a deal, he wants “Power” viewers looking for another way to watch.
