Rapper 50 Cent made headlines back in 2008 when he filed a $4 million lawsuit against fast-food giant Taco Bell. The dispute arose when Taco Bell launched its ‘Why Pay More?’ campaign, offering items on its value menu for prices as low as 79¢, 89¢, and 99¢.
As part of the campaign, Taco Bell humorously suggested that 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, should consider changing his stage name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent, or 99 Cent. However, this suggestion did not sit well with the rapper, leading him to take legal action against the company.
The lawsuit alleged that Taco Bell used 50 Cent’s name, persona, and trademark in its advertising campaign without his permission, leading customers to believe that the rapper had endorsed the fast-food chain’s products. Despite Taco Bell’s claim of making a charitable offer to 50 Cent, the legal battle ensued.
Ultimately, the lawsuit was settled the following year, with the terms of the agreement kept confidential. Both parties agreed not to disclose details of the settlement, with each side covering their own legal fees as part of the deal.
Celebrities engaging in legal disputes with major brands is not uncommon in the entertainment industry. One such example is WWE star John Cena, who faced a $500,000 lawsuit from Ford in 2017 for selling a brand new GT without the manufacturer’s authorization. The case was later settled out of court, with Cena issuing a public apology to Ford.
