Bad BunnyThe Latin music megastar faces mounting legal trouble—from copyright claims to a $40 million lawsuit from his ex—as his “bad boy” image blurs the line between fame and infamy.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, known for his chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing persona, is currently entangled in several legal disputes that cast a shadow over his illustrious career.
On May 2, 2025, Nigerian artist Dera filed a lawsuit against Bad Bunny in a Los Angeles federal court, alleging unauthorized use of a sample from his 2019 song “Empty My Pocket” in Bad Bunny’s 2022 track “Enséñame a Bailar” from the album Un Verano Sin Ti. Dera’s legal team claims attempts to resolve the issue privately were unsuccessful. Bad Bunny’s representatives have yet to comment on the matter.
In March 2023, Bad Bunny’s ex-girlfriend, Carliz de la Cruz, sued him for $40 million, alleging unauthorized use of a voice recording she provided, which includes the phrase “Bad Bunny, baby.” This recording was reportedly used in multiple songs, live performances, and advertisements without her consent. Initially offered a $2,000 settlement, de la Cruz declined, leading to the lawsuit.
Bad Bunny, along with artists like Karol G and Daddy Yankee, is named in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by the estate of Jamaican producers Steely & Clevie. The lawsuit alleges that over 100 reggaeton tracks, including some by Bad Bunny, illegally sampled the drum pattern from their 1989 track “Fish Market.” A federal judge ruled in May 2024 that the case could proceed, potentially impacting the reggaeton genre significantly.
Bad Bunny’s sports representation firm, Rimas Sports, co-founded in April 2023, faced disciplinary actions from the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) for alleged violations, including offering improper inducements to players. Sanctions included revocation of agent certifications and a $400,000 fine. Rimas Sports filed a lawsuit against the MLBPA, claiming discriminatory actions, but the case was eventually dismissed in March 2025.
In March 2024, Bad Bunny filed a lawsuit against a fan for recording and posting footage of his Salt Lake City concert on social media without permission. The lawsuit seeks up to $150,000 for each of the 10 songs recorded and shared. This move sparked debates about artists’ rights and fan interactions in the digital age.
In 2020, Bad Bunny and collaborators were sued by AOM Music, Inc. for alleged unauthorized use of samples from DJ Playero’s mixtapes in the song “Safaera.” The lawsuit sought statutory damages and an injunction against the infringing works. The track was temporarily removed from streaming platforms during the dispute.
Bad Bunny’s rebellious image, characterized by his genre-defying music and bold fashion choices, has endeared him to fans worldwide. However, his confrontational approach to legal disputes and assertive defense of his artistic rights contribute to his “bad boy” reputation. While some view his actions as a stand against industry norms, others see them as controversial moves that challenge traditional boundaries.
As Bad Bunny continues to navigate these legal challenges, the outcomes may set significant precedents in the music industry, influencing how artists approach collaborations, sampling, and fan interactions in the future.
