50 Cent is suing the Taco Bell cuz he says the fast food chain stole his identity for an advertising campaign. The ads he's talking about features the star's name being mentioned in a voice over telling him he should change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. Turns out, Fiddy didn't sell out - he was never asked and never agreed to have his name mentioned in the ad!
50 Cent is now asking for $4 million in damages for the 79 Cent Value Menu Spoof.
"Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorisation, 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 lawsuit says.
In the ad, Taco Bell composed a humorous formal letter, appealing to 50 Cent to change his name to the price of one of it's food items. Only the letter was never sent to the rapper – only to the media.
"As Taco Bell intended, many customers believed that 50 Cent had agreed to endorse Taco Bell's products. Indeed, postings on numerous internet 'blogs' castigated 50 Cent for 'selling out' by his apparent endorsement of Taco Bell," the lawsuit continues.
Taco Bell doesn't seem to be taking it seriously. The company offered to donate $10,000 to charity if Fiddy changed his name for a day and rapped a food order at one of their branches. What?? Yo quiero Taco Bell?
I say give him $4 million - cuz, yeah, everybody thought Fiddy was representing the tacos and burritos.
