Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the rap mogul and TV producer known for his unfiltered takes, has waded into one of his most divisive waters yet: parenting in the age of “agendas.” In a viral Instagram post on October 5, 2025, 50 declared he wants to raise his children—sons Marquise (28) and Sire (12)—the “traditional way,” shielding them from what he calls “hidden messages” in children’s entertainment, particularly LGBTQ+ themes in cartoons. “Let kids be kids first,” he wrote, sparking a fierce online debate that’s pitted fans against critics and turned fatherhood into 50’s latest battleground.
The comments stem from 50’s broader frustration with modern media. “I see these shows pushing stuff on little ones before they’re ready,” he elaborated in a follow-up Threads thread, referencing programs like Bluey and Arthur that incorporate queer representation. “It’s not about hate—it’s about protecting innocence. My kids get enough real-world chaos without agendas in their SpongeBob.” The post, viewed over 5 million times, echoes 50’s past clashes, like his 2021 feud with Starz over Power Book III: Raising Kanan‘s content, but this feels personal: a dad drawing lines for his family amid his own high-profile life.
Supporters hail 50 as a voice of reason. “Finally, someone says it—kids need playtime, not politics,” tweeted conservative commentator Candace Owens, who reposted the clip to her 4 million followers. Parenting forums like Reddit’s r/Parenting lit up with threads praising his stance, with one user noting, “In a world of over-sexualized kids’ media, 50’s right—let them be kids.” The rapper’s emphasis on “traditional values”—family dinners, no screens before bed—resonates with parents weary of cultural shifts, especially post-2024 election divides.
But detractors see resistance to progress. GLAAD condemned the remarks as “harmful stereotypes,” arguing they stigmatize queer families and ignore the benefits of inclusive storytelling. “50’s ‘agendas’ are just representation—kids learn empathy from seeing all kinds of love,” tweeted actor Billy Porter. Liberal outlets like The Root labeled it “outdated macho posturing,” linking it to 50’s history of homophobic tweets, including a 2015 joke about Elton John. On TikTok, #50CentCancel trended with 1.2 million videos, featuring parents defending diverse cartoons as tools for understanding.
This isn’t 50’s first controversy—recall his 2023 Starz lawsuit or 2020’s “Get the strap” COVID tweet—but fatherhood humanizes him. As Sire’s mom, Daphne Joy, co-parents amid their 2012 split, 50’s words underscore his evolution from street hustler to family man. “Music and money come second—my kids are my empire,” he posted, sharing a photo of a board game night.
The debate rages: Is 50 safeguarding childhood, or gatekeeping acceptance? With his G-Unit empire thriving, this could boost his “real talk” brand or alienate allies. One thing’s certain: 50 Cent has turned parenting into pop culture’s hottest flashpoint. As he raps in Many Men, survival demands adaptation—will he?
