Mexican Music Icon Ramón Ayala Hit With $25M Lawsuit Over Son's Alleged Abuse

Lawsuit claims Ayala's son engaged in 'dangerous pattern of escalating sexualized misconduct and assaultive behavior' toward a tour staffer

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Legendary Mexican musician Ramón Ayala is facing a $25 million lawsuit from an unnamed tour photographer who alleges that Ayala's son, Ramón Ayala Jr., engaged in abusive and sexually inappropriate behavior toward the staffer, including unwanted touching, exposing his genitals, and forcibly sucking the staffer's toes. The lawsuit also accuses Ayala of negligence for failing to intervene and stop his son's alleged misconduct.

Why it matters

This lawsuit against the renowned Norteño music icon Ramón Ayala raises serious concerns about workplace abuse and misconduct, especially in the music industry where power dynamics can enable such behavior. The case also highlights the challenges of holding high-profile figures accountable for the actions of their associates or family members.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Ayala Jr. engaged in a 'dangerous pattern of escalating sexualized misconduct and assaultive behavior' toward the unnamed tour photographer, including unwanted touching, exposing his genitals, and forcibly sucking the staffer's toes. The lawsuit also claims that Ayala Jr. threw a bag of cocaine at the accuser. The lawsuit alleges assault, sexual assault, negligence, and gross negligence against Ayala, Ayala Jr., and their touring company Liram LLC.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Ayala announced the final tour of his 60-year career in 2024.

The players

Ramón Ayala

A legendary Mexican musician and pioneer of Norteño music, known as the 'King of the Accordion' with a decades-long career leading the band Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte.

Ramón Ayala Jr.

The son of Ramón Ayala, who is accused in the lawsuit of engaging in a 'dangerous pattern of escalating sexualized misconduct and assaultive behavior' toward a tour staffer.

John Doe

The unnamed tour photographer who filed the $25 million lawsuit against Ramón Ayala and his son.

Tony Buzbee

The well-known Houston plaintiffs attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the John Doe accuser.

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What they’re saying

“Without warning and without consent, defendant Ayala Jr. physically grabbed plaintiff's legs, restrained him, forcibly removed plaintiff's footwear, and engaged in sexually offensive physical contact with plaintiff's foot. Defendant did this act in a sexual manner, and did it by force, not only to gratify himself, but to degrade the plaintiff.”

— John Doe's attorney (Billboard)

“We live in a world where freedom of expression is for everyone. But unfortunately, in their eagerness to gain attention, recognition or financial gain, some people, without any basis, try to take advantage and tarnish the legacy of an artist who rose from nothing through humility, effort, and sacrifice.”

— Ramón Ayala (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Ramón Ayala Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This lawsuit against the renowned Mexican music icon Ramón Ayala highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing workplace abuse and misconduct, especially in the entertainment industry where power dynamics can enable such behavior. The case raises important questions about holding high-profile figures accountable for the actions of their associates or family members.