Following years of back and forth via the media and legal wrangling, it looks like Fat Joe and Big Pun’s widow Liza Rios have finally reach amicable terms, at least financially. According to Bossip, both parties have agreed to terms on a settlement following a $1 million lawsuit filed by Rios in 2014. The initial suit alleged that Fat Joe had agreed to split any profits made by Big Pun following his death but Rios claims she had not received any funds since 2005.
The report also claims that Joe and his co-defendant in the suit, music publisher John “Jellybean” Benitez of Jelly’s Jams, cut a deal with Rios to avoid going to trial in the case. On Wednesday morning (June 22), a status hearing was held in Federal Court where the settlement agreement was confirmed. The terms are confidential but music royalty expert Ali Adawiya testified that Big Pun’s estate is owed more than $2 million.
Adawiya:
“Based on information provided and my professional industry knowledge, I have determined that Big Pun has been underpaid by at least $2,076,093”
Liza Rios’ attorney, Lita Rosario issued a statement in regards to the recent settlement.
“We are pleased with the settlement. We think it was fair, and we’re pleased.”
Fat Joe nor John Benitez were present at Wednesday’s hearing.
