Martin Shkreli, the infamous pharmaceutical executive, is once again in the legal spotlight. This time, he’s facing a lawsuit from PleasrDAO, a digital arts collective, over allegations that he copied and distributed the unique Wu-Tang Clan album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” The lawsuit claims that Shkreli violated the terms of the original purchase agreement and a subsequent forfeiture order by making digital copies of the album and sharing them.
PleasrDAO purchased the album from Shkreli in 2021 for $4 million, double the amount Shkreli originally paid. This transaction occurred after Shkreli was ordered to surrender the album to cover a $7.4 million forfeiture tied to his 2017 fraud conviction. According to the lawsuit, Shkreli not only made digital copies of the album but also played it during his live streams and distributed it to others, actions that directly contravene the stipulated conditions of his agreement.
The situation escalated after Shkreli’s release from prison on May 18, 2022. Within a month, he reportedly played the album during a livestream, openly admitting to his actions. “Yeah, that’s the Wu-Tang album for all you crazy streamer people,” Shkreli allegedly said. He later added, “Of course I made MP3 copies, they’re like hidden in safes all around the world… I’m not stupid. I don’t buy something for two million dollars just so I can keep one copy.”
Shkreli’s behavior didn’t stop there. On June 22, 2022, he allegedly admitted to still having a copy of the album, saying, “I was playing it on YouTube the other night even though somebody paid $4 million for it.” Then, on a June 30, 2022 stream, he reportedly played portions of the album again and reiterated his actions. “Of course I made MP3 copies, they’re like hidden in safes all around the world… I’m not stupid. I don’t buy something for two million dollars just so I can keep one copy,” he allegedly said.
Earlier this year, Shkreli appeared to troll PleasrDAO directly. After the collective posted a photo of the album on Twitter, Shkreli allegedly posted numerous replies such as: “LOL I have the mp3s you moron”; “I literally play it in my discord all the time”; “this thread is about someone listening to a CD >5000 people have…”; and “yeah I have the music, sold the plastic.” In response to some folks in the same thread expressing a desire to hear the album, Shkreli allegedly said, “i can just upload the mp3s if you want? email addy?”
In a YouTube video from this past May, Shkreli said he “burned the album and sent it to like, 50 different chicks,” before quipping, “Do you know how many blowjobs that album got me?” Not long after, he posted on X, “look out for a torrent im sick of this shit @PleasrDAO.” As recently as June 9, Shkreli allegedly played the album during a “Spaces” session on X to an estimated 4,900 listeners.
PleasrDAO is now seeking legal recourse, asking the court to compel Shkreli to destroy all copies of the album and to forfeit any money he may have earned from its unauthorized distribution. They are also seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Shkreli, unsurprisingly, was dismissive of the lawsuit. After PleasrDAO posted about the complaint on X, Shkreli replied, “PleasrDAO never voted or discussed this litigation with members. You will easily lose this legal retardation. The pleasr members don’t support this gayness. See you in court!”
The lawsuit comes just a few days before the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, Australia, opens an exhibition that will feature “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” on loan from PleasrDAO. The exhibit will run from June 15 through 24, and selections from the album will be played during 30-minute listening sessions offered twice a day.
Shkreli did not immediately return requests for further comment. A representative for the Wu-Tang Clan also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The legal battle over the unique Wu-Tang Clan album adds another chapter to the controversial saga of Martin Shkreli. Known for his provocative behavior and legal troubles, Shkreli’s actions continue to stir public and legal scrutiny. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will address the allegations and what consequences Shkreli may face for his actions.
