a legal dispute

Selena Quintanilla’s brother, A.B. Quintanilla III sues family: ‘There is evidence’


In a statement, Selena Quintanilla’s brother opened up about the tensions between him and his sister, Suzette Quintanilla


© Getty Images
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 6:08 PM EDT

Selena Quintanilla’s legacy remains a powerful symbol of pride and unity for millions of fans around the world, even 31 years after her tragic death. Her music, style, and story transcended borders, turning the late Tejano icon into a cultural figure whose influence continues to inspire new generations. Behind that celebrated legacy, however, the Quintanilla family is now facing a legal dispute that could challenge the image of unity they have projected for decades.

A.B. Quintanilla III, Selena’s older brother and longtime music producer, confirmed in a statement shared on social media that he is involved in legal action concerning members of his family.

Family of late tejano singer Selena Quintanilla who was shot by her former fan club pres. Yolanda Saldivar: husband Chris Perez, parents Marcela & Abraham Quintanilla, & siblings A.B. & Suzette. © Getty Images
Family of late tejano singer Selena Quintanilla who was shot by her former fan club pres. Yolanda Saldivar: husband Chris Perez, parents Marcela & Abraham Quintanilla, & siblings A.B. & Suzette.

“Yes, there is a lawsuit involving Suzette Arriaga, as well as facts and circumstances related to my father, Abraham Quintanilla. The lawsuit is part of a process that began several months ago, but what brought me to this point did not begin a few months ago. It goes back years,” A.B. wrote. “Years of accumulated situations, decisions, and circumstances that I chose to remain silent about for a long time out of respect, loyalty, and, above all, because this was my own family.”

A.B. Quintanilla Addresses His Conflict With Suzette Quintanilla

A.B. went on to explain that reaching this point has not been easy. “Those who know me know that I have always been a direct, transparent, and honest person. For years, I preferred to keep many things to myself. But there comes a point when remaining silent is no longer an option,” he said.

Although the musician did not reveal specific details about the lawsuit, his statement suggests the dispute developed over several years before ultimately making its way into the legal system.

In a statement, Selena Quintanilla’s brother opened up about the tensions between him and his sister, Suzette Quintanilla
© Getty Images
In a statement, Selena Quintanilla’s brother opened up about the tensions between him and his sister, Suzette Quintanilla

There has been speculation that the conflict could involve royalties and rights connected to Selena’s artistic legacy, potentially involving millions of dollars. A.B., however, did not confirm those details in his statement.

The announcement came as a surprise to many fans, particularly because the Quintanilla family has long presented a united front when it comes to preserving Selena’s memory and managing her legacy.

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A.B. also said he has been “deeply impacted” by some of the information he has discovered during the legal process.

What A.B. Quintanilla Has Said About the Family Dispute

While A.B. has acknowledged that a lawsuit exists, he has so far stopped short of publicly revealing the specific allegations behind the case.

His comments make clear, however, that he views the current legal battle as the culmination of longstanding family tensions rather than a recent disagreement.

A.B. Quintanilla III, Selena’s older brother and longtime music producer© GC Images
A.B. Quintanilla III, Selena’s older brother and longtime music producer

The situation also places renewed attention on the relationship between A.B. and his sister, Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, who has played a prominent role in preserving Selena’s legacy in the decades since the singer’s death.

For fans who have followed the Quintanilla family for years, the public acknowledgment of a legal dispute marks a significant shift. Much of the family’s public identity has centered on keeping Selena’s memory alive through her music, business ventures, tributes, and cultural projects.

A New Challenge for the Quintanilla Family

The case continues to unfold largely behind closed doors, leaving Selena fans with questions about what the dispute could ultimately mean for the future of the singer’s musical and cultural legacy.

Although A.B. said the circumstances leading to the lawsuit have been developing for years, he and Suzette appeared united as recently as late last year, when the siblings came together to say goodbye to their father.

Musician/Selena's widower Chris Perez, musician/Selena's brother A.B. Quintanilla III,, Selena's sister Suzette Quintanilla and Selena's mother and father Marcella Samora and Abraham Quintanilla Jr. attend singer Selena Quintanilla being honored posthumously with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame© Getty Images
Musician/Selena's widower Chris Perez, musician/Selena's brother A.B. Quintanilla III,, Selena's sister Suzette Quintanilla and Selena's mother and father Marcella Samora and Abraham Quintanilla Jr. attend singer Selena Quintanilla being honored posthumously with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Abraham Quintanilla, who played a crucial role in guiding Selena’s career and helping her rise to international fame, died on December 13, 2025.

The family confirmed his death but did not disclose a specific cause. They said he died in his sleep and that authorities found no evidence of violence or suspicious circumstances. His children also honored his final wishes by choosing not to hold a public funeral and having his remains cremated.

Now, less than a year after the family patriarch’s death, the legal dispute adds another complicated chapter to the Quintanilla family’s story.

Abraham Quintanilla died on December 13, 2025.© WireImage
Abraham Quintanilla died on December 13, 2025.

For the moment, A.B. has made clear his decision to pursue the matter legally was not prompted by a single recent event. According to the musician, it follows years of circumstances he previously chose not to discuss publicly.

As the case develops, more details could emerge about what led to the dispute and whether it will have any lasting impact on the family’s management of Selena Quintanilla’s enduring legacy.