Jonathan Turley – It is bad enough to represent a guy in a bankruptcy case named “50 Cent.” It is even more difficult when your client says that he is broke and then posts an image of himself with piles of money spelling out the word “broke.” Just to make sure that the court did not miss the disconnect, Curtis James Jackson III (aka 50 Cent) also posted himself on a bed covered with piles of money. It worked. Judge Ann Nevin and his creditors took notice and now 50 Cent has been called to court. Jackson seems to be competing with the bankrupt Kanye West for the world’s greatest certifiable numbskull. The pictures however raise a question of the significance of such pictures used to maintain the “bad boy” image of such personalities.

50 Cent is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy and creditors are seeking $7 million. Judge Nevin ordered 50 Cent to appear and explain the photos, noting

“I’m concerned about allegations of nondisclosure and a lack of transparency in the case. There’s a purpose of having a bankruptcy process be transparent, and part of that purpose is to inspire confidence in the process.”

His lawyers directed their anger not at their immature client but opposing parties and said that 50 Cents was merely trying to “maintain his brand and image (or those of the products he is promoting).” They objected that these images were being used to “disingenuously smear” 50 Cent. That would seem hardly necessary when your client is 50 Cent who hardly needs help establishing that he is a colossal ass. Saying that you need the cash display to maintain your reputation as an immature toddler in a man’s body.

The lawyers for 50 Cent added that they are working to clarify the situation and reach an agreement with all parties and that “We are confident that the matter will be fully resolved to all parties’ satisfaction.” Satisfaction with 50 Cent may be a bit too ambitious. I would focus on just not being found in contempt.

SF Source Jonathan Turley  Feb 2016

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