Selena’s 1995 family agreement; 31 years later, A.B. sues Suzette over $1M in profits (Image Credit: Getty and AP)
Filed in Nueces County, Texas, the lawsuit alleges that a family agreement made after Selena’s 1995 death entitled A.B. to 25% of profits from certain entertainment properties. He is seeking more than $1 million, along with an accounting of the estate’s finances. Her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., who had played a central role in managing Selena’s career, died in December 2025 at age 86.
Selena’s brother Abraham “A.B. ” Quintanilla III has sued his sister, Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, along with two companies connected to the family’s entertainment business, according to court documents obtained by ABC13. More than three decades after Selena Quintanilla’s death, a dispute over the business built around her music and legacy has moved into court. Her music, image and name have continued to generate commercial activity decades after her death. After Selena’s death, her music and image continued to be used across recordings, merchandise, licensing, entertainment projects and other commercial ventures. Managing her estate and intellectual property has remained central to the family’s business activities. The lawsuit now raises questions about the financial arrangements governing the estate after his death.
At the time of that statement, they said they had not found a publicly filed case matching the description A.B. had given. The allegations have been disputed by Suzette and their mother, Marcella Quintanilla. The dispute comes against the backdrop of a legacy that has grown considerably since Selena’s death. During her lifetime, Selena performed with Selena y Los Dinos, the family band in which both A.B. and Suzette also played. A.B. became an important songwriter and producer for the group, while Suzette played drums before later becoming involved in the business surrounding her sister’s legacy.
In a joint statement posted on Selena’s official social media account before the lawsuit was formally filed, the two rejected suggestions that Suzette had stolen or improperly taken money or property belonging to A.B., other family members, Selena’s estate or jointly owned family businesses. They also questioned A.B.’s earlier public references to a lawsuit and alleged wrongdoing involving their late father.