HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Rap star 50 Cent filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell on Wednesday, accusing the fast-food chain of using his name without permission in an advertising campaign.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court, the hip-hop mogul says the Mexican-themed restaurant attempted to fool consumers into thinking he had endorsed the chain.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, claims the Irvine, Calif.-based chain featured him in a print ad that asks him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. The ad in question is part of Taco Bell's "Why Pay More?" campaign, which promotes items for under a dollar.
The New York City native says the company sent a letter requesting the name change to the media, but not to him personally.
"Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorization, defendant Taco Bell made him the star and focus of its nationwide advertising campaign by using his name, persona and trademark to promote Taco Bell's business and products," the court papers said.
The "In da Club" singer claims the chain was attempting to avoid paying a potential multimillion-dollar fee that he may have commanded for his likeness.
His attorney, Peter D. Raymond, tells Reuters that 50 Cent is seeking $4 million in damages.
"We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89, or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice," said Rob Poetsch, a spokesman for Taco Bell Corp., in a statement, according to Reuters.
50 Cent, who has been nominated for 13 Grammys during the course of his career, has a track record in protecting his image and likeness. In 2007, he filed a $1 million suit against an Internet ad company, accusing them of using his identity without permission in the game "Shoot the Rapper."
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