50 Cent sues Taco Bell over use of his name

July 25, 2008

50 Cent has sued Taco Bell, claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent.

The rapper says in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday that the Mexican-themed chain features him in a print ad asking him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. His real name is Curtis Jackson.

The rapper's lawyer, Peter D. Raymond, said his client is seeking $4 million in damages.

In a statement, Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch said, "We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name ... for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell."