50 Cent files $1 mn suit against ad agency

MUMBAI: Rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) filed a $1 million lawsuit against an advertising agency for using his image in a promotion, which according to him, threatens his safety.

According to media reports, the internet ad by Traffix Inc features a cartoon image of 50 Cent with the message – “Shoot the rapper and you will Win $5,000 or 5 Ringtones Guranteed.”

Reports says that 50 Cent has condemned the ad as “vile, tasteless and despicable” in the lawsuit and that the use of 50 Cent’s image that “quite literally calls for violence against” him. The lawsuit also claimed that the ad was “completely unauthorized.”

In the ad, users are invited to aim and fire at 50 Cent, who incidentally has been a victim of gun violence in 2000. Once the user is successful in killing the rapper, the screen turns red and the user is directed to the Traffix website.

50 Cent has also acted in a movie called Get Rich or Die Tryin, which is based on his life.

Besides the million dollars, reports say that 50 Cent is also demanding punitive and exemplary damages and reimbursement for any costs and fees incurred in bringing the complaint to court.

The rapper is also seeking a permanent injunction against the use of his image without his agreement, says a report.