- 50 Cent made a surprise trip to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday with his lawyer, Ben Crump.
- During the visit, the two spoke to lawmakers about closing the wealth gap for Black entrepreneurs and pushing for greater representation in the premium alcohol industry.
- 50 Cent’s trip comes amid a legal battle with Suntory Global Spirits, which he alleges is involved in an embezzlement scheme.
Business never stops for 50 Cent.
On Wednesday, June 5, rap mogul and producer Curtis Jackson, 48, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, took to Capitol Hill to advocate for fellow Black business owners and speak out for greater representation in the premium alcohol industry. The Hill He was accompanied by civil rights lawyer Ben Crump during the surprise visit, and the two spoke to lawmakers about how to close the wealth gap and create more space for Black-owned liquor companies, according to reports.
“Jackson is one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in America,” Crump told the outlet, “and we’re here today to talk about his efforts to break down barriers to equal access and equal opportunity in every industry.”
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Par USA Today“This is really exciting for me. I’m really glad I got a chance to meet with both sides today,” 50 Cent said, addressing the crowd at the Capitol.
He added of his Washington representatives: “They don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, so the fact that they agreed to meet with me was a feat in itself.”
After his visit, 50 Cent said, “My experience here has been amazing. I went to speak to them about economic opportunity for everyone and I’m really excited. The response I got makes me feel like we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Theo Wargo/Getty
50 Cent is a businessman who has invested in a variety of businesses over the years, including television, film, video games, book publishing, fashion, and the alcohol industry. The rap star, who owns Sire Spirits, is embroiled in a legal battle with Suntory Global Spirits, one of the world’s largest alcoholic beverage companies. Documents previously obtained by People magazine allege that the alcohol company was involved in an embezzlement scheme that nearly cost his brand millions of dollars.
“I will be going to Washington DC to speak to the Congressional Black Caucus about how @SuntoryGlobal has hurt my business. #TheyHaveNoHonor,” 50 Cent wrote to X just hours before his visit to the Capitol.
In another post by X, BMF The producer added: “Change the name from Beam Suntory to Suntory Global Spirits and you’ve still robbed him 🤷🏽♂️ I just want mines. Tell that to your friends at the DISQUS meeting. You’re totally non-compliant.”
50 Cent in March Fox 5 New York He posted a report on the allegations against Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory) on Instagram, telling the company, “They will pay for what they did, trust me.”
Prince William/WireImage
“These big corporations think they can get away with anything,” he continued in the caption. “I’ve paid millions in legal fees. Now they know I’m not someone you want to hang out with.”
50 Cent alleged in court filings that his Sire Spirits brand overpaid for alcoholic beverages sourced from Suntory Global Spirits and that the company accepted approximately $6 million in bribes. In an emailed statement to People magazine on March 12, the alcohol company “strongly” denied the “allegations of wrongdoing.”
“[Suntory Global Spirits] “We did not engage in or have any knowledge of the fraudulent activities alleged in the complaint, and any allegations to the contrary are without factual basis,” the company said. “There is no doubt that we have fulfilled all of our past obligations to Mr. Jackson and Sire Spirits, and we are deeply disappointed that the parties involved continue to misrepresent facts and misattribute responsibility in an attempt to recover fees and damages.”
