PleasrDAO Sues Martin Shkreli Over Wu-Tang Clan Album Streaming
PleasrDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) known for its art collections and charitable initiatives, has filed a lawsuit against Martin Shkreli, also known as “pharma bro,” for allegedly illegally streaming a one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album. The album, titled “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” was purchased by PleasrDAO in 2021 for $4.75 million.
The lawsuit accuses Shkreli of streaming the album during an X Spaces event on June 9, causing irreparable harm to PleasrDAO. The organization claims that Shkreli retained copies of the album’s data and files, which were supposed to be the sole existing copy of the record.
Shkreli has denied the allegations, arguing that PleasrDAO’s members were not consulted before filing the lawsuit. The unique history of the Wu-Tang album, created to counter the commercialization of music, adds complexity to the legal battle.
In 2015, Shkreli purchased the album for $2 million and held it until his 2017 conviction for securities fraud, after which he was ordered to forfeit his assets, including the album. PleasrDAO acquired the album in 2021 to honor its artistic value and share ownership among its members.
The legal action against Shkreli raises questions about digital ownership and the value of unique art in today’s world. In related news, Wu-Tang’s Ghostface Killah released exclusive music in the form of Bitcoin Ordinals earlier this year.
The lawsuit between PleasrDAO and Martin Shkreli highlights the intersection of art, technology, and ownership in the digital age. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
