50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, filed for bankruptcy after he was ordered to pay $7 million for allegedly releasing a sex tape. But that didn’t stop him from showing off stacks of cash on Instagram.
A judge then ordered 50 Cent to explain all the cash so the court could ensure he was being honest about his money woes and bankruptcy proceedings.
According to TheWrap, the rapper filed in a court declaration that the photos depict “‘prop money’ used for G-Unit Records and videos and photo shoots.”
50 Cent emphasized that maintaining his “brand” was imperative, even if the money itself is fake.
“Hip-hop culture is widely recognized as aspirational in nature. The standard by which artists and fans engage is commonly tied to money, jewelry, products and advertising over social media,” 50 Cent said in the filing. “Products and brands are now marketed through social media as an effective way to engage with consumers.
“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, neither of which is true.”
Source: IBT
