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Google Play50 Cent has given his thoughts on misleading headlines that claimed Joe Biden’s administration would fund an initiative that would hand out crack pipes to addicts in an effort to improve “racial equity.”
Per fact-checking website Snopes, which initially labeled the news as “mostly false” before changing it to “outdated,” the claim originated from the 2022 Harm Reduction Program Grant, which was issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The actual document, which can be read in full here, suggested that “safe smoking kits” would be purchased as part of an effort to reduce harm to those tackling substance abuse. These kits actually consist of rubber mouthpieces, helping to prevent any injuries when utilizing glass pipes. They also filter out other harmful substances, but these kits do not include “crack pipes,” as the headlines suggested. Additionally, the “racial equity” part was not mentioned in the document, despite claims from publications.
“OK, I don’t understand what’s going on now,” 50 Cent wrote alongside a screenshot of a headline from right-wing tabloid the Daily Mail. “Let’s just give them some crack everybody loves CRACK. SMH.”
As a result of reactions from 50 Cent, right-wing politicians, and more, Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement on Wednesday. “HHS and ONDCP are focused on using our resources smartly to reduce harm and save lives,” reads the statement. “Accordingly, no federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits.”
After Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn commented on the news, accusing the Biden administration of funding drug use, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki explained a statement was issued to fight against these misleading claims.
“There was inaccurate information out there,” she said, per the Independent. “This program…is focused on harm reduction strategies, including prioritizing the use of fentanyl test strips and clean syringes. And all of these harm reduction services that will be supported by these programs are intended to save lives from an epidemic that we know is devastating to communities across the country.”
