Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, a towering figure in hip-hop, acting, and business, has captivated public attention not only with his multifaceted career but also with his dynamic romantic life. From early relationships that predated his global fame to high-profile romances under the glare of the spotlight, his journey through love has been as complex and compelling as his rise to stardom. His relationships have often been public, sometimes contentious, and always a subject of keen interest, reflecting the various stages of his life and career.
One of 50 Cent's earliest and most significant relationships was with Shaniqua Tompkins. Beginning years before his mainstream success, Tompkins became the mother of his first son, Marquise Jackson, born in October 1996. Their relationship, described by Tompkins as a "whirlwind romance," ultimately soured, leading to a highly publicized and bitter legal dispute in 2009. Tompkins sued Jackson for $50 million, alleging he had promised to support her for life, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a judge. This early relationship established a pattern of public scrutiny surrounding his personal affairs.
As his music career soared, 50 Cent's romantic life became increasingly intertwined with the entertainment industry. In late 2003, he briefly dated actress Vivica A. Fox. Their relationship, though short-lived, lasting only about four months, was notably public and ended acrimoniously, with both parties exchanging insults in the media. Fox later reflected on the relationship, stating that 50 Cent remained "the love of her life" and attributing their breakup to the intense public scrutiny.
Following his relationship with Fox, 50 Cent was linked to actress Joy Bryant in 2005. They co-starred in the semi-biographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin', leading to speculation about a real-life romance. While they reportedly dated briefly, their on-screen chemistry did not translate into a lasting off-screen connection, and the relationship was short-lived.
In 2007, reports linked 50 Cent to R&B singer Ciara. Their relationship was kept relatively private, but they were seen together on various occasions, sparking widespread speculation. The exact timeline of their romance is often cited as lasting into 2008, though neither publicly confirmed the full extent of their relationship at the time.
Around 2008 and 2009, rumors circulated that 50 Cent was involved with socialite Paris Hilton. While they were spotted together on several occasions, indicating a potential connection, the nature and duration of their relationship were never officially confirmed, remaining largely in the realm of celebrity gossip.
A more publicly acknowledged, albeit brief, romance occurred in 2010 when 50 Cent dated comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler. Their relationship lasted for approximately two months. Handler has spoken openly about their time together, describing him as a "sweetheart" and "fun to be around." She even humorously claimed to be the reason for his breakup with Ciara, though this was likely in jest.
From 2011 to 2012, 50 Cent was in a relationship with model and actress Daphne Joy. This relationship resulted in the birth of his second son, Sire Jackson, in September 2012. Despite the arrival of their child, the couple separated shortly after Sire's birth. Their co-parenting journey has had its public ups and downs, but they have largely maintained a focus on their son's well-being. Joy has since prioritized privacy regarding their past relationship.
Between 2013 and 2015, 50 Cent was reportedly involved with Instagram model Tattedup Holly. This relationship also ended with public controversy, including allegations of emotional and physical abuse from Holly, which were widely reported but not legally substantiated. This period highlighted the continued challenges of maintaining private relationships in the public eye.
His most recent significant public relationship has been with fitness entrepreneur and model Jamira "Cuban Link" Haines. The couple began dating in 2019, making their public debut at the season 6 premiere of his series Power in August 2019. While they have largely maintained a private stance on their relationship, they have occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media. 50 Cent has described Haines as "cool" and admired her independent spirit.
In early 2024, rumors of a potential breakup between 50 Cent and Cuban Link began to circulate, fueled by the rapper's public statements about practicing abstinence as a personal resolution. While neither has explicitly confirmed a split, his comments on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in September 2024, where he stated he was "fine" with bachelor life and wanted love "just not right now," suggested a shift in his relationship status. Cuban Link has reportedly moved on, indicating their relationship, which spanned approximately five years, may have concluded.
Throughout his romantic history, 50 Cent has shown a pattern of relationships with strong, independent women, many of whom are also in the public eye. His love life has been a blend of passionate beginnings, public challenges, and the complexities of co-parenting. While he has never married, his relationships have played a significant role in his personal narrative, consistently drawing media attention and public fascination. His journey continues to evolve, reflecting both his personal growth and the enduring interest in the man behind the music and the empire.