In a May 2026 podcast with DJ Whoo Kid, Buju Banton stated that a man was killed backstage before 50 Cent was set to perform, alleging that a “powerful figure” commanded 50 Cent to go on stage despite the incident.

Veteran artiste manager Sharon Burke, who worked on the 2003 show, disputed the claim of a fatality. She recalled that while there was a massive crowd and potential injuries due to the intense atmosphere, no one was killed at the venue.