50 Cent Sued Taco Bell for $4 M: How the Fast-Food Giant Upset the Rapper

In 2008, Taco Bell launched its “Why Pay More?” ad campaign to promote value menu items priced at $0.79, $0.89, and $0.99. As part of the campaign, the brand jokingly suggested that 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) change his nаme to 79, 89, or 99 Cent to match the promotion. The rapper did not find it amusing.

Jackson sued Taco Bell for $4 million, claiming that the campaign misled people into believing he endorsed the brand, which resulted in backlash accusing him of “selling out.”

Taco Bell spokesperson Rоb Poetsch defended the campaign, saying, “We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his nаme 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 2009, the lawsuit was settled for undisclosed terms. Both parties agreed to cover their legal fees, and Jackson’s lawyer confirmed that both sides were satisfied with the resolution.

The cоnflict between 50 Cent and Taco Bell is not the only instance where celebrities have sued major brands for unauthоrized use of their likeness or work.

In 2011, Eminem sued Audi for using a song similar to his Һit “Lose Yourself” in a commercial without his consent. The case was settled out of court.

In 2014, actress Katherine Heigl sued Duane Reade for $6 million after the drugstore chain tweeted a paparazzi photo of her carrying their shopping bags, implying an endorsement. The lawsuit was also settled out of court.

In 2022, Clint Eastwood won a $2 million lawsuit against a CBD retailer that used his likeness to promote its products without permission.