An industry watchdog
group in the UK has criticized 50 Cent’s latest advertisement for his movie
“Get Rich or Die Trying.”
The poster features 50 Cent holding a gun in one hand and a
baby in another.
According to the Advertising Standards authority, the poster
drew 17 complaints from viewers who found the poster offensive.
The ASA ruled that the poster was in violation of advertising
rules relating to violence, decency and the risks posed to children’s
behavior because of the imagery.
“We also considered the combination of the title `Get
Rich or Die Tryin’, and the image of Curtis `50 Cent’ Jackson carrying a gun
could give the impression that success could be achieved through violence,"
the ASA ruled.
Universal Music Group defended the imagery, stating it was meant
to portray 50 Cent’s struggle to escape the hardened streets of Queens,
New York.
UMG also stated
that the posters in question were no longer in use.