Musician's family sues Trump for $3M over unauthorized song use
The family of late soul singer Isaac Hayes has filed a lawsuit against former US President Donald Trump and his campaign for unauthorized use of the hit song Hold On, I'm Coming at Trump's rallies. The lawsuit, which cites 134 counts of copyright infringement from 2022 to 2024, was announced by Hayes's son, Isaac Hayes III, on social media. "The former President has even been captured dancing along," his son wrote.
Family seeks $3M in licensing fees
The Hayes family is demanding that Trump stop using the song, remove all related videos, issue a public disclaimer, and pay $3M in licensing fees by Friday (August 16). If these conditions are not met, the family has threatened to take further legal action. James Walker Jr., an attorney representing the Hayes family, stated that despite numerous requests over the past two years, the Trump campaign has not responded.
Hayes III criticized Trump's lack of integrity
Hayes III expressed his disappointment over the continuous unauthorized use of his father's song in Trump's rallies. He criticized Trump for his lack of integrity and class, citing his history of sexual abuse allegations and racist rhetoric. Hold On, I'm Coming, co-written by Hayes and David Porter, was first released by Sam & Dave in 1966. It has been regularly featured at Trump's rallies and was prominently played at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Trump's history of legal battles with musicians
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles between musicians and the Trump campaign. Other artists, including The Beatles, Adele, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Earth, Wind & Fire have also criticized Trump for using their music without permission at political events. Celine Dion's management team recently released a statement condemning the Trump campaign's unauthorized use of the Titanic hit My Heart Will Go On at a rally in Montana.
