A voice recording used without permission: Understanding the million-dollar lawsuit against Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny has been sued for $16 million for the improper use of a woman’s voice recording in the songs EoO, from his latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and Solo de Mí, from X 100pre.

The new lawsuit against Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio was filed by Tainaly Serrano Rivera, who claims that the audio recordings were made in 2018 at the request of the singer’s producer, La Paciencia, whose real name is Roberto Rosado. The woman claims that she was not notified that they would be used in the artist’s upcoming music. “At the time of the request, the purpose of the audio was not explained. Nor was the plaintiff informed that her identity would be used and commercially exploited. No compensation of any kind was discussed. No contract or agreement, license, or authorization of any kind was signed,” the lawsuit states.

The fragment in question features a woman saying, in Spanish, “Mira, puñeta, no me quiten el perreo,” which can be heard in both songs. The lawsuit alleges the use of the recording violates Puerto Rico’s right to one’s own image. Serrano Rivera has also claimed that her voice was used without her consent during Bad Bunny’s residency in his native Puerto Rico. So far, neither the singer nor his legal team have commented on the matter.

This is not the first time the singer has faced a legal battle for the same reason. In 2023, his ex-girlfriend Carliz de la Cruz sought $40 million in compensation for rights of image, moral rights of authorship, and damages. The claim reveals that when they were still a couple, Bad Bunny asked her to record herself saying “Bad Bunny baby,” an audio clip he later used in the chorus of Pa’ Ti and Dos mil 16. According to the complaint, several executives from Rimas Entertainment, the reggaeton artist’s record label, contacted her to buy the recording, but no agreement was reached and the songs in question were released regardless. Neither party has confirmed that the legal proceedings have reached a resolution.

Despite these controversies, this year is shaping up to be one of the most important in the singer’s career. After establishing himself as the most listened artist of 2025 on Spotify, Bad Bunny is preparing to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, a performance that is expected to serve as a tribute to Puerto Rico at a time marked by tensions and debates on the political scene. Added to this is the continuation of the DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS tour, which has so far taken him to various Latin American countries before heading to Japan, Australia, and Europe, reinforcing his presence as one of the most influential figures in Latin music globally.

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