Billboard posters for the new Jim Sheridan movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin', have been taken down in Los Angeles following complaints that they encourage gun violence. The posters show the film's star, rapper 50 Cent, in a crucifixion pose with a microphone in one hand and a pistol in the other.

In a letter to Paramount Pictures, the LA county supervisor said: "The billboard conveys to students a disturbing message actively promoting gun violence, criminal behaviour and gang affiliation."

50 Cent responded that the controversy was simply helping promote the movie, adding that guns have been used for decades in movie advertising. "If we walk into our local Blockbuster to rent a video, we'll see every kind of gun they manufacture on the cover of these films as a marketing tool. Some of these people just have an overall outlook on me that's negative."

Get Rich or Die Tryin', which is loosely based on events in 50 Cent's own life, opens at American cinemas next Wednesday and is due for release here on January 20th.