NEW YORK - Rapper 50 Cent has launched a $1 million lawsuit against an advertising company which began airing a game called Shoot the Rapper. Online advertising company Traffix Inc allegedly used an image of the rapper in this pop-up game and this unauthorized usage has irked 50 Cent.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, brought the suit against the company on Friday. His lawyer Peter Raymond agreed that the promotion does not use his client's name, but the likeness is there for all to see. "For all those reasons, he is personally offended," said Mr Raymond.
Ezio Scaldaferri, a lawyer for Traffix Inc said he had yet to receive the legal papers and hence could not comment on the same.
The game is particularly nasty because 50 Cent has been a target and was shot nine times. This incident took place seven years ago and was a result of a fight involving rappers.
50 Cent is popular for delivering hits like In Da Club and Candy Shop. In the present lawsuit, he is asking the court to provide a permanent injunction against using his likeness in any medium.
