Bad Bunny's Record Label Reportedly Has Ties To Venezuelan Dictatorship

Rimas Entertainment founder previously held government role under Hugo Chavez

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The record label behind Latin music superstar Bad Bunny, who is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, was founded by a former official in Venezuela's government under Hugo Chavez. Rafael Ricardo Jiménez Dan, the founder of Rimas Entertainment, previously served as Venezuela's Vice Minister of Legal Security from 2006 to 2007. However, Jiménez Dan has denied any political involvement, stating he is "not and never have been a political actor."

Why it matters

The revelations about Rimas Entertainment's ties to the Venezuelan government under Chavez and Maduro have raised concerns about potential national security risks and the political leanings of one of the biggest Latin music labels, which represents artists like Bad Bunny who have made politically charged statements.

The details

According to reports, Jiménez Dan, the founder of Rimas Entertainment, previously held a government role in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez's administration. Rimas has since become a major player in the Latin music industry, representing artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G. However, Jiménez Dan has denied any political involvement, stating he is "not and never have been a political actor." A former Puerto Rican politician has called for an FBI investigation into Rimas over alleged connections to the Venezuelan government, but Jiménez Dan maintains his investment came from legitimate business ventures.

  • In 2006, Jiménez Dan was reportedly assigned a director role in Venezuela's Mission Identity national ID program.
  • From 2006 to 2007, Jiménez Dan served as Venezuela's Vice Minister of Legal Security.
  • Rimas Entertainment was founded by Jiménez Dan in 2014.

The players

Rafael Ricardo Jiménez Dan

The founder of Rimas Entertainment, who previously served as Venezuela's Vice Minister of Legal Security from 2006 to 2007.

Hugo Chavez

The former president of Venezuela, whose government Jiménez Dan held a role in.

Bad Bunny

A Latin music superstar who is signed to Rimas Entertainment and is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.

Nina Valedón Santiago

A former undersecretary for Puerto Rico's Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and 2024 Senate candidate, who has called for an FBI investigation into Rimas Entertainment.

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What they’re saying

“I am not and never have been a political actor. I'm not a member of any political party in Venezuela — not left, not right. I never had any involvement in the coup d'état with Chávez.”

— Rafael Ricardo Jiménez Dan, Founder, Rimas Entertainment (Music Business Worldwide)

“Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say, ICE out.”

— Bad Bunny (Grammys acceptance speech)

What’s next

Nina Valedón Santiago has called on the FBI to investigate Rimas Entertainment for potential "risks against national security" due to the label's alleged ties to the Venezuelan government.

The takeaway

The revelations about Rimas Entertainment's connections to the Venezuelan government under Chavez have raised concerns about the political leanings of one of the biggest Latin music labels, which represents artists like Bad Bunny who have made politically charged statements. This story highlights the complex relationship between politics, entertainment, and national security.