50 Cent poster pulled

The controversial posters for the forthcoming 50 Cent movie "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" are to pulled down from Los Angeles billboards, it has been announced.

In a move that has been welcomed by anti-gun lobbyists, the movie's distributors Paramount Pictures have confirmed it has already begun to take down the posters.

Their decision follows a campaign this week by activists alarmed at the nature of the images, which feature the rapper holding a gun.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who was concerned not only at the nature of the posters but also the crime-affected areas where they were placed, had demanded Paramount acted.

In his letter, Antonovich explained: "This billboard conveys to the students a disturbing message actively promoting gun violence, criminal behaviour and gang affiliation."

Najee Ali, who led the protest, said the decision could be seen as a victory in a "David vs Goliath" struggle, reports the BBC.

He explained: "We have a community group going up against a major studio, and they backed down. So everyone was happy with Paramount Pictures, and we commend them for showing corporate responsibility."

The Jim Sheridan-directed "Get Rich or Die Tryin'", 50 Cent's debut movie, is due to open in US cinemas on November 9.document.write(unescape('\04564%6F%63um\145%6Et.%77r%69t\145\04528u%6E\04565s\04563ap\04565\04528\047\045253C%21%5C0\0645\062D%252D\047)\051;