There are things that money can not buy. An example of this is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and other celebrities are part of the Ferrari’s “blacklist”; that is, they are prohibited from buying new vehicles from the famous Italian car company.
Despite the lack of an official statement, the boxing legend is banned by the Italian brand, due to the controversies in which he has been involved throughout his career. This is indicated by the Italian portal MotorBox.
It is important to clarify that Mayweather has several cars with the “Prancing Horse” (most in white) like the Ferrari 488. However, the sports car manufacturer does not have it considered to own its latest models.
“Money” amassed a fortune exceeding $1.2 billion dollars, by achieving a record of 50-0 in the ring. Among the “unwelcome customers” of Ferrari also appear:
- Justin Bieber
- Kim Kardashian
- 50 Cent
- Nicolas Cage
- Chris Harris
- David Lee
- Deadmau5
- Tyga
- Preston Henn
- Blac Chyna
Crossing the Line with Ferrari
Ferrari is more than just an elite sports car manufacturer — it represents legacy, exclusivity, and investment appeal for a select circle of enthusiasts. But the Italian automaker isn’t just interested in wealth. It expects a certain standard of conduct from its customers to protect its image. Missteps, especially in behavior, can have serious consequences. It's not just about having the money — it’s about living up to Ferrari’s code of ethics. The brand’s expectations are strict, and even minor infractions can tarnish a person’s relationship with Maranello.
Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton, for example, noticeably toned down his fashion choices upon joining Ferrari. While he had more freedom in this regard during his time at Mercedes, he now respects Ferrari’s more traditional, formal standards — especially at official events.
Speech is another area where caution is required. Back in 1991, Alain Prost criticized the handling of his Ferrari after the Japanese Grand Prix, comparing it to driving a truck. While the Italian press ran wild with the quote, the remark ultimately cost him his seat — illustrating how tightly Ferrari guards its reputation.
Celebrity Run-Ins with Ferrari’s Code
Justin Bieber
In 2011, pop sensation Justin Bieber acquired a Ferrari 458 Italia. He customized it heavily — Electric Blue wrap, Liberty Walk body kit, and personalized emblems — which Ferrari didn’t take kindly to. Things got worse when he misplaced the car for over three weeks after a wild night out in Beverly Hills. Later, without notifying Ferrari, he sold the car at auction for around $435,000 — a move that didn’t sit well with the brand.
Preston Henn: A Ferrari Fan Snubbed
Preston Henn, once a professional race car driver and later a successful businessman, was renowned for owning one of the most extensive and valuable private car collections on the planet. Among his prized vehicles was a rare Ferrari 275 GTB/C with chassis number 6885 — a car estimated to be worth over $80 million.
Despite his loyalty to the brand and his ownership of such an extraordinary Ferrari, Henn faced rejection when he attempted to purchase a LaFerrari Aperta, one of the marque’s ultra-exclusive models. Ferrari turned down his application, suggesting he wasn’t deemed “suitable” for ownership.
Feeling publicly insulted and reputationally harmed, Henn responded with a $75,000 defamation lawsuit against Ferrari, accusing them of undermining his name by denying him the car.
However, in 2016 — just a year before his death — Henn withdrew the lawsuit after legal advisors reportedly told him the case had little chance of success. There were whispers that he had intended to challenge Ferrari further on a separate issue, but he passed away before taking any additional legal steps.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. also found himself banned from buying Ferraris. He had reportedly violated a key rule: owners are not allowed to sell their car within the first year of purchase. Though this exclusion might mean little to Mayweather — whose net worth exceeds $450 million — Ferrari's standards are clear, regardless of status or wealth.
Kim Kardashian
There’s speculation around whether Kim Kardashian is on Ferrari’s “no-sale” list. The controversy stems from her being spotted with a white Ferrari 458 Italia, rumored to have been a gift from Jho Low — a fugitive at the center of the 1MDB financial scandal. Though never confirmed officially, association with such negative publicity can be enough to land someone on Ferrari’s internal blacklist.
Deadmau5
Canadian electronic music artist Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) made headlines when he gave his Ferrari 458 Spider a colorful “Nyan Cat” theme, swapped the Ferrari emblem for a cat, and rebranded it “Purrari.” He even listed it for sale on Craigslist within a year. Ferrari, unsurprisingly, issued him a cease and desist order for unauthorized branding and modifications.
Tyga
Rapper Tyga reportedly leased both a Ferrari 458 Spider and a Rolls-Royce Ghost around 2016. When he defaulted on payments, both vehicles were repossessed. The leasing company then took legal action over the significant outstanding debt — another episode that didn’t reflect well in Ferrari’s eyes.
50 Cent
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson drew Ferrari’s ire in 2020 when he publicly criticized his Ferrari 488 for having a dead battery. He jokingly said he’d rather switch to a smart car, but the damage was done. Negative press — especially coming from high-profile figures — doesn’t go unnoticed by Ferrari, and it may have contributed to him being blacklisted.
Chris Harris
While not a celebrity in the usual sense, journalist Chris Harris is well-known in car circles. He fell out of favor with Ferrari after publishing a piece in 2011 on Jalopnik titled “How Ferrari Spins.” The article accused the brand of tweaking its press cars to manipulate performance reviews. Ferrari didn’t take kindly to the accusation, and Harris reportedly faced pushback for years afterward.