More than 30 years after Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s shocking death, members of the beloved Tejano icon’s family are now facing one another in a court fight over her lasting legacy.
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 earnings tied to the late singer’s estate.
Court filings obtained by Our News Outlet allege that Suzette and Q Productions did not fully compensate A.B. for profits connected to Selena’s entertainment assets and business interests.
Q Productions oversees key parts of Selena’s enduring brand, including her entertainment business, intellectual property rights, commercial projects and public legacy.
Before the lawsuit was officially filed, Suzette and her mother, Marcella, released a statement last week rejecting the accusations and denying that any misconduct had taken place.
“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.
The family of late singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is embroiled in a legal dispute more than three decades after the Tejano superstar was killed
Selena’s widower, Chris Perez, who married the singer in 1992, has made clear that he does not plan to take sides in the dispute. In a Facebook statement, he said he is “not getting involved in any kind of legal capacity with either side.”
Selena, whose signature songs include “Como la Flor” and “Dreaming of You,” was killed on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club.
Saldívar was found guilty of murder after fatally shooting the rising star during a confrontation at a motel. She received a life sentence and was denied parole last year.
Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, who died last year at 86, was the one who faced reporters after the tragedy, his grief evident as he announced: “Our Selena was killed this morning by a disgruntled employee.”
Saldívar had become eligible for parole for the first time since her 1995 sentencing, but her request was rejected last year.
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.
