Martin Shkreli Countersues Over Unique Wu-Tang Clan Album

Shkreli claims the digital art collective PleasrDAO violated his rights in purchasing the one-of-a-kind album.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Martin Shkreli, the convicted former pharmaceutical executive, has countersued the digital art collective PleasrDAO that paid $4 million for a unique Wu-Tang Clan album he previously owned. Shkreli claims PleasrDAO violated his rights by purchasing a 50% stake in the album's copyrights from Wu-Tang members RZA and Cilvaringz, alleging the sale was a 'duplicate' of his original ownership.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding the ownership and exploitation of unique, one-of-a-kind artistic works, especially when they change hands between different parties. It also raises questions about Shkreli's continued involvement in the music industry after his release from prison and ban from pharmaceuticals.

The details

In his countersuit, Shkreli claims the original 2015 contract for his $1.5 million purchase of the 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' album stated his 50% copyright interest would not transfer to him until 2103, when he would be 120 years old. Shkreli alleges RZA and Cilvaringz 'essentially sold a total of 150% of the copyrights' by accepting $750,000 from PleasrDAO for the other 50% stake.

  • Shkreli purchased the 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' album for $1.5 million in 2015.
  • Shkreli was convicted and sentenced to 7 years in prison in 2017.
  • PleasrDAO paid about $4 million to purchase the album from Shkreli in 2021.
  • PleasrDAO sued Shkreli in 2024, claiming he violated the 2015 sale contract.
  • U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen rejected Shkreli's bid to dismiss PleasrDAO's lawsuit in September 2025.

The players

Martin Shkreli

A convicted former pharmaceutical executive who previously owned the unique Wu-Tang Clan album 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin'.

PleasrDAO

A decentralized digital art collective that paid $4 million to purchase the 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' album from Shkreli in 2021.

RZA

A Wu-Tang Clan rapper who, along with producer Cilvaringz, allegedly sold a 50% stake in the album's copyrights to PleasrDAO.

Cilvaringz

A producer who, along with Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, allegedly sold a 50% stake in the album's copyrights to PleasrDAO.

Judge Pamela Chen

The U.S. District Judge who rejected Shkreli's bid to dismiss PleasrDAO's lawsuit in September 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Shkreli's approach throughout has been to distract and delay with actions that the court has consistently and strenuously rejected. These counterclaims will meet the same fate.”

— Steven Cooper, PleasrDAO's lawyer (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the merits of Shkreli's countersuit against PleasrDAO, RZA, and Cilvaringz.

The takeaway

This legal battle over the ownership and exploitation rights of a unique musical work highlights the complexities that can arise when high-value, one-of-a-kind artistic assets change hands, especially involving individuals with checkered pasts like Martin Shkreli.