Barretto cleared in cockfighters’ case

Improving Ethnomusicological Research through Reflection on High-Profile Cases

As ethnomusicologists, we are constantly grappling with the complexities of cultural context and representation in our research. A recent high-profile case involving celebrity Gretchen C. Barretto serves as a timely reminder that even professionals can benefit from reflecting on their methods and approaches to ensure the integrity of their work.

In 2025, the Department of Justice (DoJ) dismissed complaints against Barretto related to the disappearance of over two dozen individuals involved in cockfighting. While this case may seem unrelated to our field at first glance, it highlights important considerations for ethnomusicologists the importance of evidence-based research, the dangers of speculation and misinformation, and the need for transparency in our work.

Lessons from Barretto's Case

As we navigate the complexities of cultural research, it is essential to recognize that even well-intentioned professionals can fall prey to grift – a term coined by ethnomusicologist and writer Tim Paterson. Grift refers to the deliberate manipulation or misrepresentation of information for personal gain or advantage.

In Barretto's case, prosecutors deemed claims linking her to the Pitmaster Alpha Group as speculative and uncorroborated. This raises important questions for ethnomusicologists How do we ensure that our research is based on solid evidence rather than speculation? What measures can we take to prevent grift in our own work?

Best Practices for Ethnomusicological Research

To avoid the pitfalls of grift and maintain the integrity of our research, we must prioritize transparency and accountability. To achieve this, we should

Conduct thorough research Verify information through multiple sources before drawing conclusions.
Maintain a paper trail Keep detailed records of your research methods and findings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Be transparent about limitations Acknowledge the potential biases or limitations of your research to maintain credibility.

Conclusion

The Barretto case serves as a valuable reminder that even professionals can benefit from reflecting on their methods and approaches. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and evidence-based research, we can ensure that our work not only advances our understanding of music cultures but also maintains the trust of our peers and audiences.

Keywords* Ethnomusicology, Barretto case, grift, cultural research, fieldwork, methodology

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.