Beyoncé threatens cease-and-desist to Trump over unauthorized use of song
Beyoncé has reportedly threatened to send a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign over the unauthorized use of her song Freedom. This move comes after Donald Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, posted a video on social media featuring the Republican nominee disembarking from a plane in Michigan. The video, which shows Trump giving a two-handed fist pump as he walks down the tarmac, is accompanied by Beyoncé's aforementioned 2016 hit song.
'No permission granted for song use...'
A source close to the singer informed Rolling Stone that the Trump campaign didn't receive any permission to use the track from her popular Lemonade album. This unauthorized usage has sparked backlash from several of Beyoncé's fans, who have taken to social media to express their disapproval. One X/Twitter user wrote, "Freedom is a song written about slavery and police brutality against POC. How disgusting and despicable for any of you to use it to support that convicted felon."
'Freedom' was Kamala Harris's unofficial campaign anthem
Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris adopted Freedom as her unofficial campaign anthem last month after she decided to lead the Democratic party's ticket. Beyoncé had granted Harris permission to use the song through to the November election, according to a report by CNN. While Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris since Biden announced he would not seek a second term, the permission to use Freedom as a campaign song suggests the singer's support for the VP.
Trump's campaign faced music copyright issues
This is not the first time the Trump campaign has faced issues related to music copyright. Recently, the estate of the late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Trump for the alleged unauthorized use of the song Hold On, I'm Coming at Republican rallies and in campaign videos. The estate's lawyers argue that Trump owes them $150,000 for each unauthorized use of the song.
Celine Dion also criticized Trump for unauthorized song use
Earlier this month, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, faced criticism from singer Celine Dion for playing her Oscar-winning song My Heart Will Go On from the Titanic soundtrack at their Montana rally. Years ago, in 2016, Trump consistently played Adele's smash hit Rolling in the Deep to energize the crowds at his campaign events. However, the 16-time Grammy winner then informed Trump that he did not have her permission to use her song at his rallies.
