Rapper 50 Cent says Taco Bell stole his endorsement (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. rapper and hip-hop mogul 50 Cent sued Taco Bell on Wednesday, saying the restaurant chain made him the star of its hip-hop themed ad campaign without his permission and without paying him a fee. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, accuses the Mexican-style fast food chain of "diluting the value of his good name" and employing a guerrilla advertising campaign to fool consumers into thinking he had endorsed the chain, said the lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court. "Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorization, defendant Taco Bell made him the star and focus of its nation-wide advertising campaign by using his name, persona and trademark to promote Taco Bell's business and products," court papers said. A spokesperson for Yum! Brands, which operates Taco Bell, did not immediately... [read full story]