Bad Bunny Ex Wins Voice Note Claim Over 'Un Verano Sin Ti'

Carliz De La Cruz Hernández has been granted permission to proceed with her legal claim alleging that her voice was used without consent on Bad Bunny's Grammy-winning album, "Un Verano Sin Ti." The decision, made this week by a federal judge, allows Hernández to pursue her case against the Puerto Rican artist, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.

Hernández contends that a voice note, which includes the phrase "Bad Bunny baby," was used in the song "Dos Mil 16" without her authorization. She claims this voice note was recorded in 2015 and that its inclusion on the 2022 album constitutes a violation of her rights. The lawsuit seeks damages for the alleged unauthorized use of her voice and the associated intellectual property.

This ruling signifies a significant step in Hernández's legal battle, as it permits her to move forward with discovery and present evidence to support her claims. Previously, her case had faced challenges in advancing through the legal system. The "Un Verano Sin Ti" album, released by Rimas Entertainment, achieved widespread critical and commercial success, earning multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album.

The legal proceedings will now focus on whether the voice note's use on the album constitutes copyright infringement or a violation of publicity rights. The outcome could have implications for artists regarding the use of sampled or incidental vocal recordings in their music. Further court dates are expected as the case progresses through the federal court system.