50 Cent Takes Rare Loss: Judge Blocks Rapper’s Attempt To Shut Down Movie
50 Cent failed to convince a federal judge to block the upcoming release of the horror film Skillhouse after alleging the project used his image without a signed deal or compensation.
On July 3, U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera denied the rapper’s request for a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for the film’s theatrical debut on July 11 through Fathom Events.
“Here, the parties disagree as to the critical fact in the case: whether Jackson signed the Binding Term Sheet and/or Certificate of Employment (collectively the ‘Agreement’) on August 2, 2022,” Judge Vera wrote in his ruling. “But even accepting Plaintiffs’ contention that no final Agreement was ever executed, the evidence before the Court raises numerous (and substantive) disputes of fact and law concerning whether the parties’ course of conduct evinces mutual agreement as to the Agreement’s material terms.”
The lawsuit claims that 50 Cent and his son, Sire, participated in filming scenes for Skillhouse in 2022 under the assumption that a formal contract would follow.
According to court filings, no finalized agreement was ever signed, and neither 50 Cent nor his son received payment or creative control over the project.
The complaint also accuses the defendants of promoting the film using 50 Cent’s brand and likeness without consent, citing trademark infringement, false advertising, and violation of publicity rights.
50 Cent argued that the unauthorized use of his intellectual property could damage his reputation and business ventures.
Despite those claims, the judge ruled that 50 Cent did not meet the legal threshold for halting the release, though the broader lawsuit remains active.
Directed by Josh Stolberg, Skillhouse stars TikTok personality Bryce Hall, Paige VanZant, and Neal McDonough. The film delves into the darker aspects of influencer culture and was shot in 2022.
Skillhouse is still set to hit theaters on July 11.