50 Cent is no stranger to generating controversy over social media, but this time they might have caused him some legal trouble. A judge ordered the rapper into bankruptcy court on Thursday (Feb. 18) to explain images he posted containing an excess amount of money and how they correspond to his current financial status.
Judge Ann Nevins spoke with 50 Cent's lawyer about the questionable relevance of a few Instagram posts showing him flaunting a large pile of cash. After putting the rapper, who's real name is Curtis Jackson, in the spotlight with three of his suspicious Instagram posts, the judge is looking to see how he will justify the images.
The rapper has displayed multiple images of money shots throughout the past few months including stacks of cash piled up in the fridge, sprawled out on the floor, and even sprawled out to spell the word "broke" in hundred dollar bills.
A photo posted by 50 Cent (@50cent) on Oct 14, 2015 at 3:17am PDT
"I'm concerned about allegations of nondisclosure and a lack of transparency in the case," Judge Nevins said at a hearing Thursday in Hartford, Connecticut, according to Fox News. "There's a purpose of having a bankruptcy process be transparent, and part of that purpose is to inspire confidence in the process."
The photos were brought to Judge Nevins' attention by 50 Cent's ex-girlfriend Lastonia Leviston, who won a $7 million sex-tape dispute against him last summer. The posts were flagged after Leviston admitted to not receiving any payment from that lawsuit.
She was joined by the 40-year-old New York native's mortgage lender and a partner in a failed headphone contract; together they're fighting to manage 50 Cent's spend until he pays off the $30 million he owes creditors.
A photo posted by 50 Cent (@50cent) on Oct 14, 2015 at 12:17am PDT
50 Cent's lawyers believe the social media posts are being used to "disingenuously smear" his name. He also claims all of the rapper's money has been reported and accounted for in his financial documents filed in bankruptcy court.
"By including pictures from [Mr. Jackson's] social media accounts and implying that [he] is hiding assets...the [three creditors] intentionally ignore that [Mr. Jackson] is in the entertainment and promotion business and must maintain his brand and image (or those of the products he is promoting)," his lawyers said, according to Fox News.
