Key Takeaways
- Omari Hardwick stayed diplomatic about tensions behind Power, saying, “There was definitely a shift,” but adding, “I always rock with 50. I always pray for Courtney.”
- 50 Cent claims creator Courtney Kemp wanted Ghost killed off as early as Season 3 and that he fought to keep Hardwick’s character alive until his eventual death in Season 6.
- Hardwick’s response comes amid 50 and Kemp’s dispute over creative credit for the franchise, with Kemp challenging 50’s account while acknowledging his role in bringing Power to television.
Omari Hardwick is finally weighing in on 50 Cent's claim that Power creator Courtney Kemp wanted Ghost gone seasons early, and he is keeping it diplomatic.
In a new Associated Press interview, Hardwick was asked whether he knew at the time that Kemp was trying to write his character out.
"There was definitely a shift,” Hardwick said. “Oftentimes the most talented people are treated not necessarily the greatest."
He also made clear he wasn't picking a side. "I never said anything, did I?" he asked, drawing a "No, you didn't" from the interviewer. Then he added: "I always rock with 50. I always pray for Courtney."
The rapper reposted this clip on X, writing, “small ass in a BIG seat, 😆 she forgot I hired her 🤷♂️ @OmariHardwick is a real 🥷🏾 we hit the bullseye with POWER.”
50, an executive producer on the Starz drama, has previously said Kemp wanted James "Ghost" St. Patrick killed off earlier and that he fought to keep the character alive after clashes over character direction, ego and pay.
Ghost’s character ultimately lasted until the Season 6 finale, when he was gunned down at Club Truth. Power Book II: Ghost then picked up the story through his son, Tariq.
The reply arrives as the split between 50 and Kemp has become a fight over who deserves creative credit for the franchise. Kemp answered 50's remarks to Variety, by disputing his account while still acknowledging his role in getting Power to television.
50 has had his own friction with Hardwick, saying, "I think [Omari] overvalues himself, to be honest with you." In 2022, Hardwick said on The Pivot that he made $150,000 per episode, which he felt fell short for being "the face" of STARZ.
