The father of deceased singer Selena is suing over a television project about his daughter’s life, according to court papers obtained by TheWrap.
In the suit, filed in Texas on Dec. 2, Abraham Quintanilla, claims that Selena’s husband, Christopher Perez, violated an estate agreement by writing the 2012 book “To Selena With Love,” which is being adapted into a television series by Endemol Shine Latino.
Quintanilla claims that, pursuant to an estate properties agreement, Perez “expressly confirmed” that Quintanilla held all right to the entertainment properties involved in Selena’s estate. He also alleges that Perez agreed that he wouldn’t exploit the entertainment properties.
According to the suit, Perez violated the agreement by publishing the book and, now, participating in the television project.
Endemol Shine Latino, which is also a defendant in the suit, had no comment for TheWrap. Perez’s Blue Mariachi Productions is also named as a defendant.
Quintanilla claims that he sent a cease and desist letter to Endemol, but was told that the company “would continue to wrongfully exploit the alleged rights it obtained in the Option Contract” it entered with Perez.
The suit is seeking “monetary relief over $1 million.” Quintanilla also wants a judicial declaration stating that Perez, Endemol Shine Latino and Blue Mariachi have no right to exploit the entertainment properties in the estate properties agreement.
Grammy Award winner Selena remains one of the most influential Latin artists of all time, having sold 60 million albums worldwide. The Texas-born singer made her recording debut in the 1980s, going on to become an award-winning recording artist in the Latin music scene with albums like “Amor Prohibido” and “Selena Live.” She was murdered in 1995 by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of Selina’s fan club and the manager of the singer’s clothing boutiques.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.