Artist Intervenes in Sony Music Lawsuit, Claims Exclusion From $21 Million Judgment
Intervenor Marc Mysterio has filed a claim in the Southern District of New York, asserting his right to participate in a case where Sony Music was awarded over $21 million in damages.
Marc Mysterio, an intervenor in a case involving Sony Music Entertainment, has formally asserted his right to participate in proceedings at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:25-cv-06352-LAP). Mysterio argues that major recording artists, including Shakira, Aerosmith, and Jennifer Lopez, were improperly excluded from a default judgment awarded to Sony Music.
In February 2026, Sony Music received approximately $21.2 million in actual and statutory damages for breach of contract against Rhapsody International Inc. Mysterio's filing contends that the entire catalogs of artists like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, along with Aerosmith's "Dream On," were excluded from this judgment, despite his own claims and third-party beneficiary rights.
The filing also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding legal counsel involved in the case. Mysterio alleges that the same legal team is arguing for artist compensation in one court while potentially undermining artist interests elsewhere. He has also requested a review of alleged Sony Music bribery and payola evidence.
Mysterio seeks not only to intervene but also to secure a charging lien on any proceeds and to gain access to all infringed tracks, not just those listed in Sony's disputed filing. The matter is ongoing before Judge Loretta A. Preska.