The siblings of late singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez are locked in a legal battle more than three decades after the Tejano superstar was murdered.
Selena’s brother A.B. Quintanilla is suing his sister Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga and her company Q Productions for more than $1 million for what he claims is his fair share of Selena’s estate.
According to legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail, the lawsuit accuses Suzette and Q Productions of failing to pay A.B. his full share of profits generated by Selena’s entertainment properties.
Q Productions handles Selena’s ‘entertainment affairs, intellectual-property rights, commercial ventures, and legacy’.
Both Suzette and her mother Marcella issued a statement last week, before the lawsuit was filed, denying any wrongdoing.
‘There was no theft by Suzette. Suzette has not stolen, misappropriated, or improperly taken money or property belonging to A.B., Abraham, Marcella, Chris, Selena’s estate, or any family-owned or jointly owned business,’ she said.
The siblings of late singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez are locked in a legal battle more than three decades after the Tejano superstar was murdered
Meanwhile Chris Perez, who married Selena in 1992, issued a statement on Facebook stating that he is ‘not getting involved in any kind of legal capacity with either side.’
Selena, whose biggest hits included Como la flor and Dreaming Of You, was murdered on March 31, 1995 in Corpus Christi, Texas by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club.
Saldívar was convicted of murder after she shot the singer down in a bloody confrontation at a motel. She was sentenced to life in prison and was denied parole last year.
Selena’s father Abraham Quintanilla – who passed last year at age 86 – gave the press conference announcing her murder, his voice cracking with grief as he said: ‘Our Selena was killed this morning by a disgruntled employee.’
Saldívar was denied parole last year after becoming eligible for parole for the first time since her sentencing in 1995.
Selena’s family announced they were ‘grateful’ by the department’s decision to deny her parole. Saldívar, who is 65, will not be eligible again for parole until March 2030.
‘Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,’ wrote Selena’s family members and her husband, Chris Pérez, in a joint statement at the time.
‘While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.
Selena’s brother A.B. Quintanilla (pictured) is suing his sister Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga and her company Q Productions for more than $1 million
Both Suzette (pictured) and her mother Marcella issued a statement last week, before the lawsuit was filed, denying any wrongdoing
‘Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit,’ they continued.
‘As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.’
Selena was already one of the most popular Mexican–American singers of all time before her death, and her stature in Latin and Tejano music only increased afterward.
An album, Dreaming Of You, was released posthumously in July of 1995 and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart – a first for a Latin recording artist.
In 1997, a biopic about the star’s life and death was released, titled Selena, which further cemented the late singer’s music as a cultural force.
It also gave Jennifer Lopez her breakout performance in the lead role.
