Shkreli Ordered to Stop Playing Wu-Tang Clan Album
In a temporary ruling, a federal judge in Brooklyn has directed Martin Shkreli to cease playing the unique Wu-Tang Clan album “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” The crypto collective PleasrDAO filed a lawsuit against Shkreli, alleging violations of a court ruling. The court will address the lawsuit later this month.
The judge’s order prohibits Shkreli from using, streaming, or selling any interests in the album until the hearing. The album, purchased by Shkreli in 2015 for $2 million, came with a stipulation that it couldn’t be commercially exploited until 2103. After Shkreli’s conviction for securities fraud in 2018, the Department of Justice sold the album to PleasrDAO for $4 million in 2021.
Legal Battle for the Album
- PleasrDAO accuses Shkreli of disrespecting the album by playing it without permission.
- Shkreli refutes the allegations, claiming he never agreed to surrender his rights to the album.
PleasrDAO’s Mission
- PleasrDAO aims to release the album publicly in a way that benefits the Wu-Tang Clan.
- The collective plans to circumvent the traditional streaming model to ensure fair compensation for the artists.
Hot Take: The Battle Over Wu-Tang’s Album
As the legal dispute over the Wu-Tang Clan album “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” unfolds, it raises questions about ownership rights and artistic integrity. The clash between Martin Shkreli and PleasrDAO underscores the complexities of digital ownership and the evolving landscape of music distribution in the digital age.