Selena's Brother Sues Sister Over Estate Profits

More than three decades after Selena Quintanilla's death, a legal battle has emerged over the business built around her enduring legacy. Selena's brother, A.B. Quintanilla III, has initiated a lawsuit against his sister, Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, and two companies involved in managing the family's entertainment interests.

The core of the dispute is a 1995 "Estate Properties Agreement" established after Selena's passing. A.B. alleges this agreement entitles him to 25% of net profits from Selena's name, image, voice, and other intellectual property rights.

He claims that Suzette, through entities like Q Productions, Inc. (formed in 2025), has mismanaged these assets, leading to his financial detriment. A.B. discovered in spring 2025 that he may not have received his full share.

The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in unpaid profits and an extensive accounting of estate finances dating back to 2016. A.B. also requests reimbursement for legal fees and court costs associated with the case.

Suzette and their mother, Marcella Quintanilla, have refuted these claims. They issued a statement prior to the lawsuit's filing, denying any wrongdoing and questioning A.B.'s public accusations, particularly those involving their late father.

Selena's legacy, managed since her death by family members including her father Abraham Quintanilla Jr. (who passed away in December 2025), continues to generate significant commercial activity through music, merchandise, and other ventures. This legal action scrutinizes the financial arrangements governing the estate's operations, especially after their father's death.

The case aims to determine if the 1995 agreement's terms have been honored and if A.B. has received his rightful share of profits and necessary financial disclosures.