Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is embroiled in a legal dispute surrounding the horror film Skillhouse, alleging that producers used his name, likeness, voice, and producer credit without a finalized contract. Jackson is suing the film’s producer Ryan Kavanaugh, Skill House Movie LLC, and GenTV LLC, arguing there was no binding agreement authorizing such usage. The rapper claims negotiations in mid-2022 included promises of producer credit, back-end profits (a 10% share), product placement for his brands, and social media promotion rights.
But according to the defense, these assurances were vague, interim, or unsigned—even if there was a term sheet or certificate of engagement. The studios contend that Jackson’s public endorsements and his filming in the movie suggest he agreed in substance to the terms.
In April 2025, Jackson tried to stop Skillhouse’s release via a preliminary injunction and requested $5 million in damages. A judge later denied that request in July, concluding that Jackson had not clearly shown irreparable harm or a strong likelihood of winning the lawsuit, given his own participation in promoting and acting in the film.
The case raises important questions about verbal contracts, rights of publicity, and how much a creator’s behavior (like promoting or acting) can imply consent—especially when written agreements are unfinished or missing altogether. A key hearing on whether the case will be dismissed is tentatively set for October 23, 2025.
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