Bad Bunny, the globally renowned reggaeton artist, finds himself embroiled in a legal battle over voice recordings in his tracks. The lawsuit demands $16 million for allegedly using an unauthorized voice sample on two hit songs, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” and “X 100pre.” As this case unfolds, it highlights the complexities of creative collaborations and intellectual property rights in the music industry.
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Details of the $16 Million Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, was filed by Tainaly Y. Serrano Rivera in Puerto Rico. She claims her voice is featured on the 2018 track “Solo de Mi” from the album “X 100pre” and on the song “EoO” from the album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” Serrano alleges her line, “Mira, puñeta, no me quiten el perreo,” was used without her permission, even though it has become a recognizable catchphrase associated with Bad Bunny.
Background and Allegations
Serrano states that she recorded the line in 2018 at the behest of Bad Bunny’s producer, Roberto Rosado, also known as La Paciencia. At the time, they were students in a theater program at the Interamerican University of Arecibo. She claims she was unaware that the recording would be used commercially and was never offered a contract or license for its use in the songs, thereby violating her rights.
Impact on Bad Bunny’s Brand
According to the lawsuit, the recording is not just a feature in the songs but has been played during Bad Bunny’s concerts and used in merchandise sales, further amplifying its association with the artist. As the lawsuit progresses, Bad Bunny, Rimas Entertainment, and Rosado face the challenge of addressing these serious allegations.
Ongoing Legal Battles
The legal team representing Serrano, Jose M. Marxuach Fagot and Joanna Bocanegra Ocasio, are not unfamiliar with cases involving Bad Bunny. They previously represented his ex-girlfriend, Carliz De La Cruz Hernández, in a similar lawsuit concerning unauthorized voice usage, which remains unresolved in state court.
As the music industry continues to grapple with issues of intellectual property, this lawsuit emphasizes the need for clear agreements and respect for creative contributions.