Judge Rules ’Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Can Be Sued Over Wu-Tang Clan Album Copies

A federal judge has ruled that Martin Shkreli, infamously known as 'Pharma Bro,' can face legal action for allegedly copying and distributing Wu-Tang Clan's exclusive album "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin." U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen granted PleasrDAO, a digital art collective, the right to pursue trade secret misappropriation and property recovery claims against Shkreli.

The album's value hinges on its secrecy, a point underscored by the judge's decision. PleasrDAO alleges Shkreli retained digital copies after forfeiting the album in 2018 to settle a $7.36 million judgment from his securities fraud conviction. He reportedly played tracks online and offered to distribute files to social media users.

While trade secret claims proceed, other allegations—including forfeiture, interference, and unjust enrichment—were dismissed on legal grounds. Shkreli had earlier argued that Wu-Tang members should be joined as parties to the case, a contention now sidelined.