In what is surely the most awesome story of the day, rapper 50 Cent is suing Taco Bell for using his name in a new advertising campaign without permission.
The Taco Bell ads -- all of which unfortunately are print ads instead of commercials or mix tapes -- request that 50 change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. Those are the prices of Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists, Crunchy Tacos and Bean Burritos, respectively.
From MSN.com:
The rapper's lawyer, Peter D. Raymond, said his client didn't learn about the letter or that he was featured in the ad campaign until he saw a news report about it. Raymond said his client is seeking $4 million in damages.
Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch issued a statement saying: "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."
In 2007, 50 Cent sued an Internet company for posting an ad that encouraged viewers to shoot at a digital image of the rapper. I remember that case, and I can’t believe an Internet company would try something like that. 50 has said a million times that he doesn’t support digital violence, only actual violence. “Shoot thugs, not banner ads” I believe was his slogan.
As for this case, 50 certainly has a valid point. Donating $10,000 to a charity is simply not enough for using the rapper’s name without permission. 50 Cent gets millions for endorsements. Vitamin Water has earned him something like $100 million and all he had to do was shoot a couple commercials, design one flavor and pretend like he’s involved in company operations. Taco Bell needs to pony up some cash. I think the solution is pretty obvious: 50 is asking for $4 million in damages. Chalupas cost about two bucks, so Taco Bell should have to give him 2 million Chalupas. It works out for Taco Bell, because they make those things for pennies. And it works out for 50 Cent, because Chalupa’s are delicious. It’s a win-win. Really, what’s holding up this deal?
Earlier today, a spokesperson for Taco Bell gave me some exclusive info on the case. He said, “Taco Bell was clearly in the wrong and I think you’re going to see the company offer 50 Cent a pretty hefty settlement.” I told the guy, “Hey, I just ordered a soft taco, I don’t really want to hear your insight on legal cases. And don’t forget my hot sauce!”
