Rapper 50 Cent Sued Taco Bell For $4 Million Over Name Change Dispute

Back in 2008, when 50 Cent was super famous thanks to songs like "Candy Shop," Taco Bell started a new campaign called 'Why Pay More?'. 

They introduced a value menu with items priced at 79¢, 89¢, and 99¢, which is much cheaper than today's prices. 

They wanted to attract more customers by offering good food at lower prices, making it affordable for everyone.

As part of the campaign, Taco Bell playfully suggested that 50 Cent (real name Curtis James Jackson III) change his stage name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent, or 99 Cent, creating a buzz around their new menu.

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They thought it would be funny and catch people's attention. 

However, this idea didn't make the rapper happy. He felt disrespected and decided to sue Taco Bell for $4 million. 

He said they used his name in their campaign without asking him first, which he thought was unfair and wrong. 

The whole situation turned into a big legal battle, showing that even famous people like 50 Cent can get into serious disputes over their name and image.

The lawsuit, as reported by The Guardian, stated: "Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorisation, 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."

The lawsuit also said: "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."

Taco Bell released it's 'Why Pay More?' campaign in 2008. Getty Images / Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times

Rob Poetsch, a spokesperson for Taco Bell, responded to the lawsuit by 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.

"We would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice."

In the end, 50 Cent won the lawsuit the next year. But the details of the settlement were kept secret. 

His lawyer said: "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." 

It was also shared that both parties paid for their own legal fees.

50 Cent went on to file a $4 million lawsuit against Taco Bell. Getty Images / Kent Nishimura

It's common for celebrities to have legal fights with big companies. 

For example, in 2017, John Cena got into a $500,000 lawsuit with Ford after he sold his brand-new GT without Ford's permission. 

The car was special, and Ford wanted him to keep it for at least two years. 

The case was settled out of court a year later, and Cena publicly apologized to Ford. 

These kinds of issues show that even famous people have to deal with legal problems sometimes.