American rapper turned actor 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has been ordered to pay Lastonia Leviston $5 million after he leaked her private sex tape on the internet — a tape which she made with her then boyfriend Maurice Murray, Billboard reports.
50 Cent obtained the video from Murray, who insisted that Leviston would be “cool” with Jackson using the video, and then uploaded the video online whilst adorning a curly wig to coincide with his adopted alter ego: “Pimpin’ Curly.”
As Pimpin’ Curly, Jackson referred to Leviston as a “b*tch,” “ho’,” and a “porn star” whilst making inflammatory and misogynistic remarks about Leviston’s body throughout the tape.
The tape went on to be seen by millions as it spread across the internet and onto various porn websites. Jackson, who received the tape in 2008, made crude remarks throughout his 13 minutes of voiced-over video commentary. In 2009, the video went viral after he unleashed it upon the internet.
Jackson also taunted fellow rapper Rick Ross, a former partner of Leviston’s with whom he has one daughter. At the time of the video’s release, Jackson and Ross were caught up in a rap rivalry. The video and commentary is suspected to be part of Jackson’s attack against Ross.
Jackson’s tape was referred to as “satirical” by his defense despite it’s R-rated content. Leviston explained that she was “horrified” and “humiliated” by the tape’s release.
Celebrity sex tapes are a dime a dozen with videos of Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian circulating online. Hacks and phone scandals have also released naked photographs of celebrities that were not intended for public consumption, calling into question the privacy rights of the rich and famous.
Leviston’s legal defense claimed that Jackson’s side used a “blame the victim” stance by delving into Leviston’s salacious background as a topless dancer in order to discredit her, the NY Daily News reported.
The $5 million awarded to Leviston was reportedly compensation for privacy infringement and emotional damages, according to the Economic Times. The courts are currently deliberating over whether or not Curtis will have to pay anymore money to Leviston.
What are your thoughts on Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s decision to share Leviston’s porn tape with the internet and subsequent $5 million fine?
