Martin Shkreli Sued Over Alleged Copying of Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’
Martin Shkreli, the notorious “Pharma Bro,” is facing a new lawsuit over allegations that he illegally copied and distributed the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” The lawsuit was filed by PleasrDAO, a cryptocurrency collective that purchased the album from the U.S. government for $4 million in 2021.
Shkreli originally bought the album in 2015 for $2 million but was forced to forfeit it to the government after his conviction for securities fraud in 2017. PleasrDAO acquired it with the understanding that it was the only existing copy.
However, the lawsuit claims that Shkreli has been boasting about retaining copies of the album and sharing it with others, violating the terms of the sale. PleasrDAO points to social media posts where Shkreli allegedly admitted to playing the album on YouTube and hosting a “Wu-Tang official listening party” on Twitter Spaces, where he played excerpts for thousands of listeners.
The lawsuit accuses Shkreli of copyright infringement, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. PleasrDAO is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Shkreli from further distributing the album.
This legal battle highlights the unique nature of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” as both a musical work and a piece of art. The album was initially marketed as a single copy that would never be commercially released, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
The case raises questions about ownership rights in the digital age, where copying and distributing content is relatively easy. It also underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding Martin Shkreli, who has become a polarizing figure due to his past actions in the pharmaceutical industry and his involvement in various legal battles.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” and its potential value. If the court rules in favor of PleasrDAO, it could set a precedent for how unique digital assets are protected and controlled. For now, the fate of this one-of-a-kind album remains uncertain as the legal battle unfolds.
