Activists rap 50 Cent gun poster

50 Cent is one of the biggest rap stars in the world

A poster promoting rapper 50 Cent's upcoming film has been accused of promoting gun violence.

Activists in the US want Paramount Pictures to take down billboards promoting the film, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which opens in November.

The posters depict 50 Cent - real name Curtis Jackson - holding a gun in his left hand and a microphone the other.

Najee Ali, who organised a protest rally in Los Angeles this week, accused Paramount of being irresponsible.

Activists want the posters taken down

"We're calling upon Paramount Pictures to remove these billboards out of our neighbourhood and from this city," Mr Ali said.

A spokeswoman for Paramount was not available for comment.

Get Rich or Die Tryin', which is due to open in the US on 9 November, stars Jackson as a drug dealer who turns his back on crime to pursue his true passion, rap music.

The film, directed by Jim Sheridan mirrors the real life of Jackson, who was jailed for selling drugs before finding fame.

Get Rich or Die Tryin' is named after his first hit album, which was released in 2002.