Beyoncé Threatens Cease-and-Desist Against Trump Campaign for Unauthorized Use of Freedom

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16328214/original/open-uri20240821-18-vc4r66?1724272872
ICARO Media Group
Politics
21/08/2024 20h35

In a recent development, music icon Beyoncé has reportedly threatened to send a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign after former President Donald Trump posted a video on social media featuring her hit song "Freedom." The track, unofficially used as Kamala Harris' campaign song, was featured in a 13-second clip of Trump disembarking a plane in Michigan.

According to a source close to Beyoncé who spoke to Rolling Stone, the Trump campaign did not obtain permission to use the Lemonade track in their video. This has prompted the singer to take action against the unauthorized usage.

The use of "Freedom" by the Trump campaign comes after the Harris-Walz campaign debuted an ad earlier this week, featuring the same track. The ad, narrated by actor Jeffrey Wright, called for unity and asked what kind of America we want to live in. The connection between the song and the campaign's message was clear, with Wright's narration emphasizing that freedom is a cherished value that unites Americans.

It is worth noting that Harris has been using "Freedom" with Beyoncé's permission since the start of her presidential campaign. The song was first introduced during Harris' first public appearance after receiving Joe Biden's endorsement. The campaign also released an official launch video featuring the track, showcasing its importance in setting the tone for Harris' campaign.

The unauthorized use of music at his campaign rallies has become a notorious trademark of Donald Trump. Throughout his presidency, Trump faced backlash from numerous musicians who objected to the unauthorized usage of their songs without proper permission. These incidents often resulted in legal threats against the former president.

As the battle over music rights continues, it remains to be seen how Beyoncé and her legal team will proceed with their cease-and-desist letter against the Trump campaign. However, it serves as a reminder that artists hold the rights to their music and have the authority to protect their work from unauthorized use.

This incident adds to the growing list of musicians who have expressed their frustration over the misuse of their songs in political campaigns without their permission. The clash between art and political exploitation underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and obtaining proper authorization for the use of copyrighted material.

In conclusion, Beyoncé's threat to send a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign highlights the ongoing issue of unauthorized use of music in political campaigns. The power of music to convey messages and emotions should always be respected and protected, ensuring that artists have control over how their work is used, especially in the realm of political discourse.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related