50 Cent, who is in bankruptcy court defending himself before a judge, said stacks of cash used in some of his Instagram photos were fake.
The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, had posted the photos in recent months after declaring bankruptcy. The move prompted Judge Ann Nevins to grow suspicious of his financial claims.
“I’m concerned about allegations of nondisclosure and a lack of transparency in the case,” Judge Nevins said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Here are the photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/-j4dt2sLyj/
https://www.instagram.com/p/80Hm94sL2w/
https://www.instagram.com/p/8zy-nCsLyL/
50 Cent, however, submitted a written declaration to the court saying that it was actually part of the allure of his personal brand as a celebrity. “Hip-hop culture is widely recognized as aspirational in nature,” according to the statement. “The standard by which artists and fans engage is commonly tied to money, jewelry, products and advertising over social media.”
“Products and brands are now marketed through social media as an effective way to engage with consumers,” he added.
50 Cent explained that he’s trying to protect his image. “Just because I am sensitive to the needs of maintaining my brand does not mean that I am hiding assets or that I have lied on my filings in this Bankruptcy Case,” he wrote, “neither of which is true.”
Jackson filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in July after losing a $7 million sex-tape dispute to Lastonia Leviston. He is said to owe $30 million total to other creditors as well, including Leviston.
