More than 30 years after Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was killed, a dispute over her legacy has brought her siblings into a legal fight.
Selena’s brother, A.B. Quintanilla, has filed a lawsuit against his sister Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga and her company, Q Productions, seeking more than $1 million that he says represents his rightful portion of Selena’s estate.
Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail allege that Suzette and Q Productions did not provide A.B. with his complete share of revenue tied to Selena’s entertainment holdings.
Q Productions oversees the late singer’s entertainment business, including her intellectual property, commercial projects and ongoing legacy.
Before the lawsuit was filed last week, Suzette and the siblings’ mother, Marcella, released a statement rejecting accusations of misconduct.
“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,” the statement said.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s siblings are now facing off in court more than three decades after the beloved Tejano singer’s murder.
Chris Perez, who married Selena in 1992, said in a Facebook statement that he will not take part in the dispute, writing that he is “not getting involved in any kind of legal capacity with either side.”
Selena, remembered for signature songs including Como la flor and Dreaming Of You, was killed on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Yolanda Saldívar, who led the singer’s fan club, was responsible for her death.
Saldívar was convicted of murder after shooting Selena during a violent confrontation at a motel. She received a life sentence 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.
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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.