In 2008, Taco Bell launched an advertisement run titled, "Why Pay More?" to beforehand its worth menu, pinch items priced astatine $.79, $.89 and $.99. As a joke, nan marque suggested that 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) — who was arguably astatine nan height of his fame astatine nan clip — alteration his sanction to 79, 89 aliases 99 Cent for nan promotion. The rapper was not amused.
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Jackson sued Taco Bell for $4 cardinal for utilizing his sanction and persona without permission. According to nan suit, Taco Bell's run led group to judge that 50 Cent had endorsed nan brand, resulting successful a backlash against nan rapper for "selling out."
Taco Bell spokesperson Rob Poetsch defended nan run astatine nan time, stating, "We made a bully faith, charitable connection to 50 Cent to alteration his sanction for 1 time by rapping his bid astatine a Taco Bell, and we would person been very pleased to make nan $10,000 aid to nan kindness of his choice."
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In 2009, nan 2 parties settled nan lawsuit, though nan position were not disclosed. Both parties agreed to screen their ain ineligible fees and refrained from discussing nan details, pinch Jackson's lawyer confirming that some sides were satisfied pinch nan resolution.
The 50 Cent/Taco Bell beef is not nan only clip big-name celebrities person sued a awesome marque for falsely indicating their endorsement.
In 2011, rapper Eminem sued carmaker Audi for utilizing a opus akin to his deed "Lose Yourself" successful a commercialized for nan Audi A6 Avant without his consent. The suit was settled retired of court.
In 2014, character Katherine Heigl sued nan drugstore concatenation Duane Reade for $6 million. Heigl revenge nan suit aft nan institution tweeted a paparazzi photograph of her carrying Duane Reade shopping bags, implying an endorsement without her permission. The lawsuit was settled retired of court.
In 2022, character Clint Eastwood was awarded $2 cardinal aft winning a suit against a CBD retailer that utilized his likeness to beforehand its products.