According to the lawsuit, Maksud Agadjani has created unauthorized replicas of the rapper's custom chain necklace and has been using the rapper's likeness to promote and sell the knockoffs.
- October 11, 2024
AceShowbiz - Rapper 50 Cent (real name Curtis James Jackson) has filed a lawsuit against jeweler Maksud Agadjani and his company, TraxNYC Corp., accusing them of trademark infringement and a violation of his right of publicity. According to the lawsuit, Agadjani has created unauthorized replicas of 50 Cent's custom chain necklace and has been using the rapper's likeness to promote and sell the knockoffs.
Agadjani has posted content on social media featuring imitation 50 Cent necklaces along with images of the rapper, allegedly misleading consumers into believing that he has endorsed the products. 50 Cent claims that he has never purchased a necklace from TraxNYC or authorized them to use his name or likeness.
The lawsuit alleges that Agadjani "willfully and knowingly created imitations of an original necklace designed exclusively for Jackson" and 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."
Agadjani is known for his role as Yussi in the 2019 film "Uncut Gems." Despite being contacted by 50 Cent and warned to stop selling the fake jewelry, Agadjani allegedly continued to use the rapper's image and likeness in advertisements.
50 Cent is seeking at least $5 million in damages, as well as a court order enjoining Agadjani from further using his likeness. "Mr. Jackson takes the unauthorized use of his name and likeness for commercial purposes seriously," a representative for the rapper told TMZ.
The lawsuit also includes several examples of Agadjani showcasing the imitation necklace on social media between August and October 2024. In one post, Agadjani states, "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."
Agadjani responded to the lawsuit on Instagram Stories, advising 50 Cent to "forgive" and "forget." However, the rapper acknowledged the lawsuit on Thursday, posting a screenshot of an article about it with the caption, "Every now and then someone does something like this. I don't know why but I do know I'm a need that by Monday."
