Disappointing Bunny Pursues $465,000 in Legal Fees Following Copyright Case Victory
Bad Bunny is seeking $465,612 in legal fees from record label emPawa Africa after winning a copyright case related to his 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti, according to a motion filed on March 23, 2026, and obtained by Rolling Stone.
Copyright Dispute Origins
The lawsuit was initially filed in May 2023 by Nigerian producer Dera (Ezeani Chidera Godfrey), who claimed that Bad Bunny’s track “Enséñame a Bailar” contained an uncleared sample from his 2019 production, “Empty My Pocket,” created for artist Joeboy. Pitchfork reports that Dera and emPawa Africa pursued the case, but their legal representation, Manatt Phelps and Phillips LLP, withdrew in January 2026, citing “irreparable differences.”
Case Dismissal and Allegations Against emPawa Africa
The case was dismissed on March 9, 2026, after Dera failed to appear at a February 5 discovery hearing and missed a March 6 deadline to continue the litigation. EmPawa Africa was also dismissed as a plaintiff in February for missing deadlines. Bad Bunny’s legal team argues the lawsuit was “meritless from the beginning” and alleges emPawa Africa pursued the case hoping to secure a multi-million-dollar settlement by exploiting Bad Bunny’s wealth, and reputation. Billboard details these claims.
Clearance and Frivolous Objections
Bad Bunny’s attorneys maintain that the sample was properly cleared through Lakizo Entertainment, which initially distributed the song. They further contend that emPawa Africa raised “frivolous objections” and stalled during the discovery process. According to the motion, emPawa Africa abandoned the suit rather than hire new counsel to address the discovery requests.
Focus on emPawa Africa, Not Individual Producer
Bad Bunny is not seeking a fee award from Dera, the individual producer who brought the claim. His legal team believes Dera was not the primary driver or financier of the lawsuit.
No Immediate Response
Representatives for Bad Bunny and emPawa Africa have not yet responded to requests for comment, as reported by Rolling Stone.
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