Karol G Faces $6M Copyright Lawsuit Over 'Gatúbela' Beat, Producer Claims Written Proof of Infringement

Karol G Faces $6M Copyright Lawsuit Over 'Gatúbela' Beat, Producer Claims Written Proof of Infringement

By Marcus Stevenson

March 15, 2025 at 02:47 AM

Karol G faces a copyright infringement lawsuit over her hit song 'Gatúbela' from El Salvador-based producer Alfr3d Beats and Florida-based Jack Hernandez of Ocean Vibes Music Publishing. The lawsuit has been filed in a Florida federal court.

Karol G forms heart gesture

Karol G forms heart gesture

The plaintiffs allege that 'Gatúbela,' which has nearly 500 million Spotify plays, copies elements from Alfr3d Beats' track 'Punto G.' The lawsuit claims DJ Maff, 'Gatúbela's' producer, was subscribed to Alfr3d Beats' YouTube channel when 'Punto G' was released, approximately one month before 'Gatúbela.'

Key allegations in the lawsuit:

  • A musicology expert found "extremely similar" elements between both songs' main synthesizer riffs and vocal chorus melodies
  • The similarities "would not have occurred by chance alone"
  • DJ Maff allegedly asked Alfr3d Beats "not to tell anybody" about the suspected infringement in a since-deleted Instagram comment
  • When confronted via direct messages, Maff claimed he created the beat nine months earlier

While 'Punto G' was available for free non-commercial use, any commercial usage required explicit permission. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $6 million in damages, citing "written admissions of guilt" from their social media exchanges with DJ Maff.

The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including:

  • Karol G
  • Maldy
  • Universal Music
  • Various co-writers of 'Gatúbela'

Businessman checking phone with charts

Businessman checking phone with charts

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