50 Cent has filed a lawsuit against a jeweler, claiming that his custom chain necklace was copied and used to sell unauthorized pieces featuring his likeness.
According to TMZ, the rapper—whose real name is Curtis James Jackson—has initiated legal action against Maksud Agadjani and his company, TraxNYC Corp., for copyright infringement and violation of his right of publicity.
Maksud has shared content on social media that features a replica of a 50 Cent necklace alongside images of the rapper.
However, the “Power” executive producer contends that these clips could mislead customers into believing he endorses the imitations.
50 Cent is seeking at least $5 million in damages and an injunction to prevent the jeweler from using his likeness.
“Mr. Jackson takes the unauthorized use of his name and likeness for commercial purposes seriously,” a representative for the rapper stated to TMZ.
The lawsuit further alleges that Maksud “willfully and knowingly created” replicas of a necklace designed exclusively for 50 Cent, as reported by The Wrap.
“The 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 that the 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,” the lawsuit claims.
It also clarifies that Jackson did not purchase his necklace from TraxNYC, nor did he authorize Maksud to “capitalize on his goodwill and reputation to promote their goods and services.”
The lawsuit states that Maksud showcased the imitation necklace multiple times between August and October 2024.
Maksud featured 50 Cent’s likeness along with the cross necklace in a post shared on Sunday, advertising his replicas.
“50 Cent got this new cross that I like, and guess what? I made it. Why not? … 50, thank you for the inspiration. You’re a true gentleman. I’m sure you won’t mind … I don’t know where 50 got his, but I know where I got mine. From him,” Maksud stated while displaying a photo of the musician.
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50 Cent responded to Maksud’s video on Tuesday, warning, “This was a bad idea; you will regret doing this, I promise.” In reply, Maksud said, “@50cent yo don’t you got better things to worry about.
On Thursday, Trax appeared to respond to the lawsuit via Instagram Stories, advising the rapper to “forgive” and “forget.”
“Yo 50, the cross is meant for forgiveness, redemption, forgiveness of sins. Forgive, forget. Let it go, brother.”
50 Cent acknowledged the lawsuit on Thursday as well, posting a screenshot of an article about it.
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“Every now and then someone does something like this. I don’t know why, but I do know I’m going to need that by Monday,” he captioned the post.
In addition to being a jeweler, Maksud may also be recognized from the 2019 film Uncut Gems, in which he played the character Yussi alongside Adam.