50 Cent’s $4 Million Lawsuit Victory Over Taco Bell’s Name-Change Stunt
It was a sales ploy by Taco Bell when it suggested to 50 Cent that he change his name to the price of its products for one day. However, it did not augur well, and the outcome was not pleasant.
An angry 50 Cent not only turned down the proposal but also slapped a legal lawsuit accusing the company of using his name without his permission.
The incident happened 16 years ago in 2008 when in the middle of an advertisement blitz by Taco Bell, which was titled ‘Why Pay More?’ and its products were priced at 79¢, 89¢, and 99¢.
50 Cent Wins $4 Million in Lawsuit Against Taco Bell
Amid this campaign, Taco Bell decided to suggest that 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, rechristen himself to 79 Cent, 89 Cent, or 99 Cent—like the value items.
However, the move backfired, and the ‘Candy Shop’ rapper slapped a $4 million lawsuit on Taco Bell and accused it of using his name without permission.
The lawsuit read, “Without seeking or obtaining Jackson’s authorization, 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.”
It further went on,
“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.”
As a response to the lawsuit, Taco Bell said that it had made the offer in good faith and it was a charitable offer that asked 50 Cent to change his name to 79, 89, or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell. It also said that the company was ready to make a $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.
Finally, it was reported in 2009 that 50 Cent had won his lawsuit, but details of the terms of the settlement were never made public. What we know is that the two sides covered their own legal fees.
50 Cent’s lawyer said at the time,
“As is often the case in these situations, the parties have agreed not to discuss anything about the settlement except to say both sides are satisfied,”
This is not the first time that celebrities have crossed swords with big multinational brands that often go overboard in their promotions.
