The 40-year-old entertainer 50 Cent could be in hot water after posting a series of photos on social media flashing piles of cash.
While that might not seem like particularly outrageous behavior for a rap star like 50 Cent, problems arise when you consider the fact that the entertainer recently declared bankruptcy, writes Katy Stech for The Wall Street Journal.
50 Cent might regret posting Instagram photos showing piles of cash
Now a Justice Department watchdog has called for an investigation into 50 Cent’s financial affairs, claiming that his cash photos “are potential evidence of serious misconduct.” The watchdog went on to claim that the posts could be evidence that he “lives a lavish lifestyle” and have “invited a public perception that a bankruptcy case is an appropriate vehicle for publicity without sufficient financial accountability.” Documents have been filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Hartford, Conn.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson III, has also been summoned to court to explain his posts to Judge Ann Nevins. The investigation request will be considered at a court hearing on March 9.
Among the photos posted since he declared bankruptcy in July are images showing piles of cash in Jackson’s fridge and thrown across his couch. U.S. Trustee William Harrington said that the images are “openly contemptuous of the bankruptcy code and process.”
Officials call for investigation into spending habits
“The bankruptcy system depends on full disclosure by a debtor and the public confidence in the bankruptcy system erodes when allegations of misconduct are not investigated,” he added.
People who file for bankruptcy are expected to provide evidence of earnings and spending during their case. A potential investigation would look into how much money Jackson has made since July, and how he has been spending.
Jackson declared bankruptcy after being ordered to pay $7 million to Lastonia Leviston, who won damages after Jackson released a sex tape of her on his website in 2009. Leviston is the ex-girlfriend of rapper Rick Ross, with whom Jackson was engaged in a “rap war” at the time.
50 Cent shot to fame on the back of the song “In Da Club” in 2003. He went on to sell over 22 million albums, and has also acted in films such as the recent release “Southpaw.” He lives in a mansion once owned by boxer Mike Tyson, which reportedly has 21 bedrooms.
