In 2008, Taco Bell launched an advert marketing campaign titled, “Why Pay More?” to advertise its worth menu, with gadgets 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 title to 79, 89 or 99 Cent for the promotion. The rapper was not amused.
Jackson sued Taco Bell for $4 million for utilizing his title and persona with out permission. In line with the go well with, Taco Bell’s marketing campaign led folks to consider that fifty Cent had endorsed the model, leading to a backlash towards the rapper for “promoting out.”
Taco Bell spokesperson Rob Poetsch defended the marketing campaign on the time, stating, “We made an excellent religion, charitable supply to 50 Cent to vary his title for in the future by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we might have been very 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 shunned discussing the small print, with Jackson’s lawyer confirming that either side have been glad 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 much like his hit “Lose Your self” in a industrial 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 picture of her carrying Duane Reade buying luggage, 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 profitable a go well with towards a CBD retailer that used his likeness to advertise its merchandise.