I haven’t got a cent: Rapper 50 Cent files for bankruptcy after sex tape defeat

US rapper 50 Cent has filed for bankruptcy, claiming he has assets and debts of between $10m and $50m. The star, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, is seeking chapter 11 protection after filing court papers at the US Bankruptcy Court in Hartford, Connecticut. The move comes just days after a jury ordered him to pay $5m (£3.2m) to a woman who sued him over a sex tape. Lastonia Leviston sued the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ rapper for invasion of privacy over the 13-minute video which appeared on the internet in 2009, featuring 50 Cent wearing a wig as narrator Pimpin’ Curly.

We’re disappointed in the verdict but very appreciative of the service of the jury and the court.

William Brewer III, 50 Cent’s lawyer

During the footage, the character makes explicit remarks about Ms Leviston and taunts rap rival Rick Ross, who has a daughter with her. At the time the footage was put online, Ross and 50 Cent were trading attacks against each other in song lyrics, interviews and on videos. Jurors will continue deliberating this week on possible punitive damages against the rapper.

Celebrity 50 cent