"guerrilla" advertising campaign.
The 'In Da Club' singer, real name Curtis Jackson, is asking for over $1
million in damages from the company - who asked him to change his name to 79
Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent to promote their food.
The suit reads: "Taco Bell traded on the name of the world's biggest hip-hop
star to draw attention to its new, hip-hop-based advertising campaign, and
thereby generated massive publicity for its business."
Taco Bell President Greg Creed wrote to the singer earlier this year,
promising to donate $10,000 to his favorite charity if he agreed to change
his professional tag.
He wrote: "We know that you adopted the name 50 Cent years ago as a metaphor
for change. We at Taco Bell are also huge advocates for change. We encourage
you to 'Think Outside the Bun' and hope you accept our offer."
50 is upset his fans are accusing him of "selling out" by agreeing to
promote the brand's value menu, not realizing the adverts were unauthorized.
Filed under: 50 Cent • Music •
