In 2008, Taco Bell launched an advert marketing campaign titled, “Why Pay More?” to advertise its worth menu, with objects priced at $.79, $.89 and $.99. As a joke, the model advised that fifty Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) — who was arguably on the height of his fame on the time — change his identify to 79, 89 or 99 Cent for the promotion. The rapper was not amused.
Jackson sued Taco Bell for $4 million for utilizing his identify and persona with out permission. In response to the go well with, Taco Bell’s marketing campaign led folks to consider that fifty Cent had endorsed the model, leading to a backlash in opposition to the rapper for “promoting out.”
Taco Bell spokesperson Rob Poetsch defended the marketing campaign on the time, stating, “We made a very good religion, charitable provide to 50 Cent to alter his identify for someday by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we might have been more than happy to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his alternative.”
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In 2009, the 2 events settled the lawsuit, although the phrases weren’t disclosed. Each events agreed to cowl their very own authorized charges and avoided discussing the small print, with Jackson’s lawyer confirming that each side have been happy with the decision.
The 50 Cent/Taco Bell beef will not be the one time big-name celebrities have sued a significant model for falsely indicating their endorsement.
In 2011, rapper Eminem sued carmaker Audi for utilizing a tune just like his hit “Lose Your self” in a business for the Audi A6 Avant with out his consent. The lawsuit was settled out of court docket.
In 2014, actress Katherine Heigl sued the drugstore chain Duane Reade for $6 million. Heigl filed the lawsuit after the corporate tweeted a paparazzi photograph of her carrying Duane Reade buying baggage, implying an endorsement with out her permission. The case was settled out of court docket.
In 2022, actor Clint Eastwood was awarded $2 million after successful a go well with in opposition to a CBD retailer that used his likeness to advertise its merchandise.