Just why 50 Cent recently filed for bankruptcy is a matter of some debate. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was ordered by a jury to pay $5 million to Lastonia Leviston, after he leaked her sex tape online as part of a feud with her ex, musician Rick Ross. When Jackson recently appeared on Conan O’Brien’s show, he hinted that the bankruptcy protection was due to the lawsuit, saying, “You get a bull’s-eye painted on your back when you’re successful, and it’s public. You become the ideal person for lawsuits.”
In late July, Leviston’s lawyer argued, based on that appearance, that Jackson filed for bankruptcy protection to shield himself from the lawsuit; Jackson was then ordered to pay $2 million dollars on top of the original $5 million.
In court, Jackson argued that he’s nowhere near as wealthy as his lifestyle makes him seem, saying he rented his luxury cars, recycled his gold chains, and only wears watches that cost a few hundred dollars, according to Business Insider.
Another aspect of the rapper’s lifestyle was put on display when Leviston’s attorney asked him for details about the 52-room mansion, which has been on and off the market since 2007. During the hearing, Jackson said he makes $185,000 a month but spends $108,000, including $9,000 on security, $5,000 on gardening, $3,000 on clothes, $1,000 on grooming, and $72,000 on the mansion, according to CBS.
Considering the house has 21 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, a movie theater, nightclub, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a grotto, and a casino, that figure might not be far off. Located in Farmington, Connecticut, the house is over 48,000 square feet. During a 2012 interview on Oprah’s Next Chapter, Jackson admitted that living in the $10-million house, which used to belong to Mike Tyson, was a constant reminder of what could happen to his money.
“He sold the property to me when he couldn’t keep it,” Jackson said. “It keeps you conscious of it. I never understand how, like, artists get in a great situation and then not have time to count money. Like, I have plenty of time. I’ll sit there. I’ll count the money with the accountant.”
