Wow, I'm quiet for a few days then posting just start flowing from me.
Reuters is reporting that "mogul 50 Cent, Universal Music Group and several of its record labels were sued on Wednesday for promoting a "gangsta lifestyle" by a 14-year-old boy who says friends of the rapper assaulted him."
"The members of G-Unit [excuse me, G-G-G-Unit!] , including defendants Yayo and 50 Cent, encouraged, sanctioned, approved and condoned its members threatening violence, and or engaging in violent acts in furtherance of its business," the lawsuit said.
The attack on Rosemond was intended to "promote and maintain Yayo and 50 Cent's 'gangsta' image," which was "promoted, marketed and advertised" by record labels.
Yeah, ok. Much of this lawsuit should be dismissed. This seems like a simple assault and battery case. Like any other civil suit, prove that the defendants hurt you and calculate damages (hospital bills, lost wages etc.). Greedy lawyers might even try to old intentional infliction of emotional distress. Yet, this wasn't enough for this lawyer. He also wanted to sue the record labels to get more money. I am assuming he is claiming some sort of unjust enrichment claim, which is pretty bogus. The enrichment (sales of more gangsta records) was not done to the detriment of the plaintiff. I don't think nation wide sales are going to be affected just because your favorite rapper (or rap crew) beat up a 14-year old. They also better not be trying an accomplice or conspirator theory. I am pretty sure that the record companies did not enter an agreement to beat up the kid. These companies have lawyers who make sure nothing the executives do can be construed as promoting specific acts of violence. Glorifying violence in general should not be the basis of a lawsuit. Violence in movies and music does not beget violence, stupid people with pre-existing violent tendencies who watch TV and listen to music beget violence. Don't blame the media, blame stupid people.
