Bad Bunny has been sued for $40 million by an ex-girlfriend who alleges he used a voice recording of her saying the catchphrase “Bad Bunny Baby” in two songs without her consent. (Read More Here).
According to the filing, De La Cruz Hernández and Bad Bunny (born Benito A. Martinez Ocasio) began their relationship in 2011 when they both worked at the Econo Supermarket in Vega Baja, Benito’s hometown in Puerto Rico. At the time, the then-aspiring artist was constantly churning out tracks — and according to De La Cruz Hernández, he often asked for her opinion on his music. She would offer feedback in addition to helping him organize his performances, rundowns and contracts, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit states that De La Cruz’s “distinguishable voice” also has been used without her consent for songs, records, promotions and worldwide concerts, and on television, radio, social media and musical platforms.
“Since then, thousands of people have commented directly on Carliz’s social media networks, as well as every time she goes to a public place, about the ‘Bad Bunny, baby’. This has caused, and currently causes, that De La Cruz feels worried, anguished, intimidated, overwhelmed and anxious,” the lawsuit states.
Also sued is Noah Kamil Assad Byrne, manager for Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio. Assad and representatives of Bad Bunny did not immediately respond to a message for comment.
The birth of the phrase “Bad Bunny, baby” came about in 2015, and Martínez asked De La Cruz to record herself saying it. She did so in a bathroom one day while staying with a friend because that was where it was least noisy and then sent it to him, the lawsuit stated.
On 1 January 2016, Martínez asked De La Cruz to marry him, and they made plans to do so in July 2016. But in April 2016, Rimas Music signed Martínez. That same year, De La Cruz was accepted into the University of Puerto Rico’s law school, and she ended her relationship with Martínez in May 2016.
They got back together in 2017, but once again went their separate paths.
She claims that “the unauthorized use of the recording commercially exploits her voice and identity.”
Discover more from KossyDerrickent
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
