Latin music sensation Bad Bunny is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle, facing a new $16 million lawsuit that spotlights the complex issue of intellectual property within the music industry. This legal challenge is rooted in claims of unauthorized voice sampling, an increasingly common point of contention for artists and their collaborators. The case not only threatens substantial financial repercussions for the artist but also draws attention to broader questions about consent and proper attribution in creative works.
This latest lawsuit is not an isolated incident for Bad Bunny, as it follows a similar legal action initiated by his former girlfriend. The recurrence of such allegations against a high-profile artist like him underscores the evolving landscape of digital music production and the legal responsities that come with using vocal elements. These cases collectively highlight the critical need for clear agreements and proper legal procedures to protect the rights of all individuals involved in musical creations, from vocalists to producers, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for their contributions.
The Allegations of Unauthorized Voice Sampling
Tainaly Y. Serrano Rivera has filed a $16 million lawsuit against Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, alleging that her voice was used without her consent in two of his popular tracks: "Solo de Mi" from 2018 and "EoO" from his more recent 2025 album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. According to the complaint, Rivera's distinct phrase, "Mira, puñeta, no me quiten el perrero"—roughly translating to "Look, asshole, don't take away the perreo"—was sampled in these songs. This phrase has gained significant public recognition, becoming a catchphrase frequently featured in Bad Bunny's concerts and promotional merchandise, linking it closely to his brand and further amplifying the perceived infringement of her intellectual property.
Rivera states that she recorded this line in 2018 at the behest of Roberto J. Rosado, known professionally as La Paciencia, Bad Bunny's longtime producer. At the time, both were students in a theater program at the Interamerican University of Arecibo. Crucially, Rivera asserts that she never signed any form of contract, license, or written authorization for the commercial or advertising use of her voice. Her legal team is now pursuing damages from the artist and his record label, Rimas Entertainment, for alleged violations of her privacy and publicity rights. This lawsuit emphasizes the importance of formal agreements and explicit consent for any creative contributions, particularly when they are integrated into widely distributed commercial products.
Previous Legal Challenges and Industry Implications
This lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar legal entanglement for Bad Bunny involving his former girlfriend, Carliz De La Cruz Hernández. Hernández filed a lawsuit claiming unauthorized use of her recorded phrase, "Bad Bunny, baby," which is present in his songs "Pa Ti" and "Dos Mil 16." Both Rivera and Hernández are represented by the same legal counsel, Jose Marxuach Fagot and Joanna Bocanegra, suggesting a pattern of alleged unauthorized use of vocal samples by the artist or his team. Hernández's complaint details that her 2015 recording was not only used in multiple songs but also extensively featured in concerts, social media promotions, radio, and television advertisements.
The legal documents further disclose that in May 2022, a representative for Bad Bunny offered Hernández $2,000 to acquire the rights to her recording, just prior to the release of his album Un Verano Sin Ti. Hernández reportedly declined this offer, yet the tracks containing her voice were released without her consent or compensation. The complaint highlights the significant emotional distress caused by the continued use of her recording, describing feelings of worry, anguish, intimidation, and anxiety, to the extent that she sought psychological help. These ongoing lawsuits serve as a stark reminder to the entertainment industry about the necessity of securing proper legal clearances and fair compensation for all creative contributions, especially from vocalists, to avoid severe financial penalties and reputational damage.