Billboard.com
Romeo Santos is taking legal action against his former accounting and business-management firm, alleging that years of financial mistakes left the Latin music superstar facing tax problems and millions of dollars in losses.
In a lawsuit filed August 12 and obtained by Billboard, Santos, whose legal name is Anthony Santos, accuses BDO USA of professional malpractice and “gross negligence.” His attorneys argue that the firm repeatedly failed to properly manage financial responsibilities it had been hired to oversee, despite presenting itself as an expert in handling entertainment clients.
Santos initially hired Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra LLP in 2016. The firm was subsequently acquired by BDO in 2021. According to the lawsuit, the accounting company was responsible for managing the finances of a global touring and recording artist, including his tax obligations across multiple states and countries.
The complaint alleges that BDO failed to properly pay taxes and file returns, while also mishandling Santos’ New York tax filings. His lawyers say an allegedly flawed state return triggered an expensive audit.
The lawsuit also claims BDO failed to claim foreign tax credits on royalty income, despite the relevant withholding information being included in royalty statements already held by the firm. Santos says those failures resulted in additional financial penalties and costs.
The relationship ended in 2023, when Santos dismissed BDO. He alleges that shortly afterward, the company withdrew money from one of his accounts to cover its own fees without authorization and has not returned the funds.
Santos is seeking at least $2.3 million in damages. The amount includes alleged tax penalties and interest, the disputed withdrawal, expenses incurred to hire new accountants and repair the financial problems, as well as losses tied to other alleged professional errors.
The lawsuit marks another legal controversy involving BDO and a major client. In 2022, rapper Fat Joe sued the firm and two employees, alleging that they had engaged in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. That dispute was settled confidentially in 2024.
Santos rose to fame as the lead singer of bachata group Aventura before launching a successful solo career in 2011. His solo catalog includes multiple No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including collaborations with Drake and Usher.
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