84-year-old man sues Bad Bunny over unauthorized use of his home

In Puerto Rico, an 84-year-old homeowner, Román Carrasco Delgado, has initiated legal action against the renowned artist Bad Bunny, alleging that his iconic salmon-colored house was used without proper consent in a music video and during a concert residency. The home, located in southeast Puerto Rico, served as inspiration for a replica that was featured prominently in Bad Bunny's concerts, which included famous guests such as LeBron James and Penélope Cruz. Carrasco claims that he authorized a scout to use his house for a video but was misled about the extent and manner in which it would be utilized. Carrasco's lawsuit, filed in San Juan, alleges that he was not given a clear understanding of the agreements regarding the use of his property. Despite receiving two checks totaling $5,200, he asserts that he was unaware of the full implications of granting permission and was not provided detailed contracts. Thus, he seeks a minimum of $1 million in damages for emotional distress and the alleged unauthorized use of his home, which evidently has become a significant symbol in Bad Bunny's artistic expressions. The legal complaint states that no formal discussions were held regarding the specifics of how the house would be featured in the video or the concerts. Furthermore, Carrasco, who struggles with literacy, claims he was pressured to sign documents without proper explanations of their contents. This situation raises concerns about exploitation and fairness regarding the usage rights of personal property in the entertainment industry. The case underscores the complex interplay between cultural representation in music and potential exploitation of individuals whose homes and lives become part of that narrative. As Carrasco continues to pursue his case, the outcome may prompt discussions on artist accountability, especially relating to consent and fair compensation for the original creators behind culturally significant imagery.