According to reports by several media outlets, 50 cent is suing Taco Bell for allegedly using his endorsement without his permission. ABC News says that, 50 cents likeness was used as part of Taco Bells “Why Pay More” Campaign in a letter campaign that asks the rapper to change his name to “79 cent, 89 cent or 99 cent”. The letter was sent to several members of the media and Mr. Cent says the letter was only sent to him after it had been disseminated to reporters.
Several reports say, the lawsuit accuses Taco Bell of “diluting the value of his good name”. But Taco Bell is saying the letter made a good faith offer that was a “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 in turn they would “have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.”
Some message boards were said to have received comments about 50 Cent “selling out” for Taco Bell. You’d think that a man that was shot nine times could pretty much endorse anything and not be seen as a sell out. How many bullets does one have to take before he’s considered officially hardcore?