Hip-hop star 50 Cent has come under fire in Britain for the controversial posters to his Get Rich Or Die Tryin' film.

Industry watchdog the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled the ad, which features the rapper holding a gun and a baby, could be seen as "glamorising" gun crime.

More than 17 people complained to the ASA, slamming the poster as offensive and irresponsible.

In response, Universal Music Group claimed the ad depicted 50 Cent's fight to escape the mean streets of New York.

The ASA says: "We considered, however, that Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson had such cultural credibility, especially among young people, that his association with gang culture and criminal behaviour was likely to be seen as glamorising and condoning the possession and use of guns."

The same advertisement was also banned from billboards in the US last November following complaints from community groups.

The In Da Club hitmaker also faced criticism from the ASA last year for his Reebok television advertisements. The Reebok ad was also seen to be glamorising gun violence and was banned from UK TV networks.