Lawsuit alleges Ramón Ayala's son sexually assaulted tour worker

Photographer claims Ayala Jr. subjected him to repeated sexual harassment and assault during farewell tour

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A $25 million lawsuit has been filed against Ramón Ayala Jr., the son of Norteño music legend Ramón Ayala, alleging that Ayala Jr. repeatedly sexually assaulted and harassed a photographer who worked for the father-son duo during Ayala Sr.'s farewell tour. The lawsuit, filed by high-profile Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, claims Ayala Jr. physically assaulted the photographer, referred to as 'John Doe #1,' on multiple occasions in front of other tour staff.

Why it matters

The allegations against Ayala Jr. raise serious concerns about the culture and power dynamics within the Ayala family's music business, as well as the responsibility of employers to protect workers from sexual misconduct. The lawsuit also comes at a sensitive time for the Ayala family, as the elder Ramón Ayala was preparing for a farewell tour before the tour dates were unexpectedly canceled.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Ayala Jr. hired the photographer, John Doe #1, in September 2024 to document Ayala Sr.'s farewell tour. The lawsuit alleges that Ayala Jr. then subjected John Doe to repeated sexual assault and harassment, including physically restraining him and engaging in 'sexually offensive physical contact.' When John Doe tried to report the misconduct, Ayala Jr. allegedly told him it was just 'horseplay' and that he should 'get over it.' Eventually, Ayala Jr. kicked John Doe off the tour bus and reassigned him to travel separately.

  • In September 2024, Ayala Jr. hired John Doe #1 to document Ramón Ayala's farewell tour.
  • In August 2025, Ayala Jr. allegedly 'physically overpowered' John Doe and sexually assaulted him in front of other tour staff.
  • On February 17, 2026, the $25 million lawsuit was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee in Hidalgo County, Texas.

The players

Ramón Ayala Jr.

The 56-year-old son of Norteño music legend Ramón Ayala, who is accused of sexually assaulting and harassing a tour photographer.

Ramón Ayala

The 80-year-old 'King of the Accordion' and founder of the band Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with his band's corporate entity.

John Doe #1

A professional photographer and videographer from McAllen, Texas, who was hired by Ayala Jr. to document Ramón Ayala's farewell tour and is the plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Tony Buzbee

The high-profile Houston attorney who filed the $25 million lawsuit on behalf of John Doe #1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've handled some of the largest and most high-profile sexual assault cases in the United States. I've never seen the type of conduct alleged in this case. It is the most egregious and outrageous that I have seen.”

— Tony Buzbee, Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ramón Ayala Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of employers taking allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and implementing proper safeguards to protect workers, especially in the entertainment industry where power dynamics can be imbalanced. It also raises questions about the responsibility of famous figures to ensure their family members do not abuse their positions of authority.