Bad Bunny Facing a Lawsuit From His Ex-girlfriend
Bad Bunny is being sued by his ex-girlfriend, Carliz De La Cruz Hernández, for using her voice recordings in his music without consent.
The voice recordings De La Cruz is suing over play on two of the artist’s hits, “Pa Ti” and “Dos Mil 16.” In 2022, Bad Bunny celebrated his third consecutive year as Spotify’s most-streamed artist. The two songs that feature De La Cruz’s voice have over 200 million streams each.
The legal documents filed in Puerto Rico earlier this month state that her voice is used on the tracks without permission or compensation. De La Cruz claims that she came up with the phrase “Bad Bunny baby,” which plays in both songs. The phrase is spoken in a breathy female voice, which De La Cruz asserts is her “distinguishable voice.” According to her lawyers, this violates her right to her own image, which is protected under Puerto Rican law.
De La Cruz also claims that Bad Bunny offered to buy her recording for $2,000 in 2022, but she declined. Now, she is seeking $40 million with this lawsuit. The filing writes that De La Cruz’s voice has been used for “songs, records, promotions, worldwide concerts, television, radio and social and musical platforms.” Bad Bunny isn’t the only name mentioned as well. The legal document also calls out the rapper’s manager, Noah Kamil Assad Byrne.
The lawsuit details the personal impact this situation has on De La Cruz, stating, “Thousands of people have commented directly on Carliz’s social media networks, as well as every time she goes to a public place, about ‘Bad Bunny baby.’ This has caused, and currently causes, De La Cruz to feel worried, anguished, intimidated, overwhelmed and anxious.”
De La Cruz and Bad Bunny have a long history together. The two have dated on and off since 2011, getting engaged in 2016 but calling it quits the following year. The musician has been spotted out with Kendall Jenner, sparking dating rumors. People have been quick to give their opinions about the lawsuit online, commenting on the large sum of money that De La Cruz is seeking.
Omg I hope Carliz wins the lawsuit against bad bunny 💅
— Lizzy🌹 (@lizzypalafox13) March 20, 2023
streaming Pa Ti and Dos Mil 16 so bad bunny can pay the lawsuit🙄
— wednesday (@lyloraa) March 22, 2023
I hope Carliz gets more than 40 millz. I will be listening to dos mil 16 on 🔁. BAD BUNNY DID HER HELLA DIRTY
— jo 🍓 (@namjoonwah) March 22, 2023
While fans have plenty to say on the matter, neither Bad Bunny nor his manager has made any public statement regarding the lawsuit.
