NEW YORK (AP) – Rapper 50 Cent is suing Taco Bell in New York, claiming the fast-food chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent.
The rapper says the Mexican-themed chain features him in an ad asking him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. His real name is Curtis Jackson.
The rapper’s court papers say the ad is part of Taco Bell’s “Why Pay More?” campaign. They say the Irvine, Calif.-based company sent a bogus letter requesting the name change to the news media but not to the rapper.
The rapper’s lawyer says he’s seeking $4 million in damages.
A Taco Bell spokesman says he hasn’t seen the lawsuit. Taco Bell sells Cinnamon Twists for 79 cents, Crunchy Tacos for 89 cents and Bean Burritos for 99 cents.
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