The 50 Cent vs. Taco Bell feud might have been the weirdest feud ever.
This is a feud that could not have happened at any other time in history.
50 Cent has been the target of derogatory lyrics before. It’s consistent with his line of work. But it was a little odd to take on one of America’s most beloved fast food institutions.
It all started with a joke. Then came a $4 million lawsuit.
Why did 50 Cent have a feud with Taco Bell?
It all starts in 2008. We may not refer to that fateful year as a “happier, simpler time,” but it was a significantly less stressful election year than all the elections that followed.
In May of that year, Taco Bell released its new Value Menu. It’s the moment when anyone reading this more than a decade and a half later should start crying.
The prices for different items on Taco Bell’s value menu were 79 cents, 89 cents, and 99 cents. In 2024, these are closer to the price of a packet of Taco Bell’s avocado verde sauce (which, let’s be honest, is delicious) than the actual food.
You’ve probably already guessed where this is going.
To promote its new value menu, Taco Bell’s campaign included a (joking) suggestion that 50 Cent (whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III) change his name.
The iconic fast food franchise suggested that instead of 50 Cents, he could change his name to 79 Cents, 89 Cents, or even 99 Cents.
50 Cent did not agree with this suggestion
To be fair, it doesn’t seem like 50 Cent’s point about changing his name was a joke.
Rather, he accused Taco Bell of using his name for an advertising campaign—without his permission. In 2008, he was still considered a “big name” in popular culture.
And that’s why he filed a $4 million lawsuit against Taco Bell. At the time, that would have been enough to cover more than $4 million worth of menu items!
Social media already existed in 2008. Additionally, forums and other internet communities (back when Google was doing well) provided places for people to interact.
According to 50 Cent’s lawsuit at the time, GuardianSome fans assumed 50 Cent endorsed Taco Bell’s products. Reportedly, various bloggers slammed him for “selling out” — again, according to his legal filing.
In other words, they accused Taco Bell of misusing their name and trademark without their permission – and harming their public image and brand. While many people wouldn’t be less than happy to be featured in a Taco Bell ad… they’d want to sign it and get paid, right?
Who won the 50 Cent vs Taco Bell lawsuit?
By 2009, it was widely reported that 50 Cent had won the Taco Bell lawsuit. However, his lawyer told the public that neither party would discuss the details of the settlement (which is standard).
It’s natural that many people favor Taco Bell over someone like 50 Cent. But we Hope All parties are satisfied with the agreement.
Meanwhile, despite widespread violence GreedInflation Due to the steep price increases in recent years, one advantage of ordering Taco Bell 15 years after 2008 is that you can easily have it delivered.