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Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is suing Uncut Gems actor and jeweler Maksud Agadjani for $5 million for trademark infringement. This came after Agadjani, under his jewelry company TraxNYC Corp., uploaded a video of him selling imitation replicas of the rapper's custom-made gem-encrusted cross pendant.
According to court documents obtained by The Wrap on October 10, 50 Cent claimed Agadjani's videos violated his "right of publicity" and misled customers into believing the rapper is affiliated with the jewelry brand. The lawsuit read:
“Defendants, who are in the jewelry business, willfully and knowingly created imitations of an original necklace designed exclusively for Jackson; used Jackson’s name, image and other intellectual property rights to mislead consumers into believing Defendants’ reproductions are affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Jackson; and continue to use Jackson’s name, image and other intellectual property rights for commercial gain.”
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Following the lawsuit, Agadjani took to social media to apologize to the rapper, adding that a cross was meant to symbolize forgiveness and redemption. He also urged 50 Cent to "forgive, forget and let it go."
The rapper reposted the video on his Instagram page, replying that the jewelry maker "tried to play" him. He also alluded that he had no intention of letting the issue go.
"Let me think about it. Nah you tried to play with me ! You know the vibes by Monday," the rapper replied.
50 Cent cautioned Maksud Agadjani against using him to promote his products
According to court documents, Agadjani promoted his imitation cross pendant several times between August and October of this year. In August, he uploaded a TikTok post featuring the pendant, which resembled the one the rapper owned, saying he "jocked" 50's style.
On October 7, Agadjani shared a video on Instagram of his imitation cross pendants with the caption:
"@50cent nice cross got there. Hit TRAXNYC.com or call 212 TRAXNYC. Personal service."
50 Cent had previously warned Maksud Agadjani to refrain from using his name to promote his jewelry. The lawsuit said that Jackson told Agadjani he would regret his antics in an Instagram comment, to which the jewelry maker "brazenly" replied:
"@50cent, yo don't you got better things to worry about."
50 Cent is seeking $5 million in damages, including an order to bar Maksud Agadjani and his company from "using, imitating or copying" the rapper's name and jewelry. The suit also said 50 Cent did not buy any jewelry from Agadjani, nor did he give the jewelry maker authorization to use his likeness and reputation to promote his products.
"Jackson did not purchase his necklace from Defendants and Jackson has never authorized Defendants to capitalize on his goodwill and reputation in order to promote their goods and services," the document stated.
It added the suit was filed to protect the rapper's name and image, which he “spent decades creating, maintaining and enforcing.”
In other news, 50 Cent recently disclosed the amount he has paid his legal team over the years. In the September 1 episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, the rapper said he spent over $24 million on legal fees throughout his career. He added that he sent lawyers to deal with any situation to frustrate the people involved.
