From Peter Kramer of the AP:
50 Cent has sued Taco Bell, claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent.

The rapper says in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday that the Mexican-themed chain features him in a print ad asking him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. His real name is Curtis Jackson.

The papers say the Irvine, Calif.-based company sent a bogus letter requesting the name change to the news media but not to the rapper.

The rapper’s lawyer, Peter D. Raymond, said his client didn’t learn about the letter or that he was featured in the ad campaign until he saw a news report about it. Raymond said his client is seeking $4 million in damages.

Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch issued a statement saying: “We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89 or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice.”

This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has sued over his name or image.

Mindy McCready talked exclusively with me since the Roger Clemens story broke. Check it out.Today her friend denied most of the New York Daily News story in a Florida newspaper.

Our pals at Nashvillepost.com are reporting some sad news from the Village saying, “The days of The Trace Restaurant may be numbered.” The property owner has sued the restaurant owner Ken Perry for $1.2 million, seeking back rent, property taxes and repair and replacement costs.

Perry told Nashvillepost.com that the restaurant is not in default on the lease and will fight the case in court. He said the property taxes and all rent has been paid.

Below are some excerpts from Perry’s conversation with Nashvillepost.com:

“I don’t know Mr. Hayes’s motives,” Perry said. “For whatever reason, he just doesn’t want me in there anymore.” The property owner and his representatives “haven’t been truthful and honest with me,” Perry asserted. “I met face-to-face with them, and what he said to me face-to-face and what he has done is completely opposite.”

“I don’t want people to worry about me,” Perry emphasized today. “Whatever happens, I will be fine, and I forgive Mr. Hayes for what he’s trying to do to me and my family.”

It is reported that Perry has considered filing for bankruptcy.

Read more HERE!

Craig Schelske has filed a 20-million dollar lawsuit against one of his wife’s divorce lawyers.

Schelske, the husband of country singer Sara Evans, filed a civil complaint in the Davidson County Circuit Court against Nashville lawyer John Hollins Senior .

The suit says Hollins slandered Schelske by telling untruths to the media.

Evans filed for divorce in october. Her lawyer claimed Schelske had an affair with their nanny.