When people think of Bad Bunny, they think of global fame, chart-topping hits, and unforgettable lyrics. But behind one of his most recognizable sounds — the soft, confident “Bad Bunny, baby” — is a woman whose story has become a cultural turning point.
That woman is Carliz De La Cruz, a Puerto Rican attorney, content creator, and now, an international symbol of empowerment. Her voice launched millions of streams, but her courage and determination turned her into a voice for justice.
Let’s explore who Carliz De La Cruz really is, her role in shaping an era of Latin music, and what her story teaches about self-worth and ownership.
Who Is Carliz De La Cruz?
Carliz De La Cruz is more than just the woman behind a famous voice note — she’s a lawyer, entrepreneur, and a woman who dared to stand up for her rights. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she studied law after completing her undergraduate degree, focusing on building a professional career grounded in independence and resilience.
Her confidence, education, and grace have earned her growing admiration online. With an active social media presence, she shares lifestyle, beauty, and motivational content that resonates deeply with fans inspired by her strength and self-awareness.
But her story took an unexpected twist when her voice — recorded years ago — became part of one of the most famous sound tags in reggaeton history.
The Famous “Bad Bunny, Baby” Moment
Before fame changed everything, Carliz and Benito Martínez Ocasio (now known as Bad Bunny) were young, ambitious students at the University of Puerto Rico. They started dating around 2011, and Carliz supported his musical dreams long before he became an international superstar.
In 2015, Bad Bunny asked her to record herself saying “Bad Bunny, baby” — a playful, simple request at the time. She agreed and sent him the voice clip, never imagining that this small gesture would become iconic.
That recording later appeared in several of his songs, including “Pa Ti” and “Dos Mil 16,” and was heard across concerts, streaming platforms, and promotional campaigns. It became a signature part of the Bad Bunny brand — but the problem was, Carliz said she never gave permission for it to be used commercially.
The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
In 2023, Carliz De La Cruz filed a $40 million lawsuit against Bad Bunny and his production team for using her voice without consent. She claimed that despite refusing to sell the rights to her voice (after being offered only $2,000), it continued to appear in his songs and live shows.
The legal case quickly made international headlines, highlighting a major issue in the entertainment industry: who owns the rights to a person’s voice and how consent should be managed in creative projects.
Carliz’s courage paid off. In 2024, she reportedly won her case, receiving a multimillion-dollar settlement and sparking conversations about intellectual property, consent, and women’s empowerment. Her victory sent a clear message — no one, regardless of fame, is above respecting personal rights.
A Symbol of Empowerment
Carliz De La Cruz’s story resonates far beyond the courtroom. It’s not just about money or fame; it’s about reclaiming agency. She stood up against a global superstar and won — not through celebrity status, but through intelligence, persistence, and legal knowledge.
For women everywhere, Carliz’s journey is an inspiring reminder that:
- Your voice matters. Whether literal or metaphorical, your contributions deserve recognition.
- Consent is power. Giving permission once doesn’t mean forever; you control how your work and image are used.
- Boundaries protect self-worth. Even in love, friendship, or creative collaboration, your rights don’t disappear.
Today, Carliz stands as a modern example of how resilience and education can transform personal experiences into public victories.
The Broader Impact on the Music Industry
Carliz’s case has already become a reference point for artists, producers, and entertainment lawyers. It highlights the importance of contracts, documentation, and respecting intellectual property — especially in an industry where creativity often overlaps with personal relationships.
Producers and record labels are now taking greater care in obtaining clear consent from voice contributors. Independent creators, too, have learned to protect their work more carefully.
Her story has even influenced younger generations of artists, teaching them to value their creative assets and to ensure they are fairly represented and compensated.
The Woman Beyond the Headline
Since her legal victory, Carliz De La Cruz has continued to grow her influence. She’s embraced her platform to promote self-respect, legal literacy, and women’s empowerment. Her fans admire her for her grace under pressure and her ability to handle global attention with dignity and strength.
Carliz’s success is also a celebration of education and self-advocacy. While fame may have found her unexpectedly, she has used it wisely — to inspire others to know their rights and speak their truth.
Lessons from Carliz De La Cruz
- Always protect your creative work. Even small contributions can hold great value later.
- Document everything. A simple contract can prevent years of conflict.
- Never underestimate your voice. What makes you unique can become your greatest strength.
- Stand up for yourself. Even against powerful figures, truth and preparation can win.
- Turn pain into purpose. Like Carliz, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Carliz De La Cruz’s story is a modern tale of courage, boundaries, and empowerment. From her days as a student to her time in the courtroom, she proved that strength doesn’t come from fame — it comes from self-respect and conviction.
The “Bad Bunny, baby” clip might have introduced her voice to the world, but it’s her determination, intelligence, and resilience that define her legacy.
Carliz’s journey reminds us all: your voice, your story, and your worth belong to you — and no one else.