Beyoncé is reportedly contemplating legal action against Donald Trump's campaign for the unauthorized use of her song "Freedom" in a recent social media post.
According to The Independent, the singer's team is considering sending a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign following the incident.
The controversy arose when Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, shared a 13-second video on social media on August 20, 2024. The clip featured the former president deplaning Michigan, accompanied by Beyoncé's 2016 hit "Freedom" from her album Lemonade. Sources close to the singer have indicated that Trump did not receive permission to use the track in his campaign material.
The Trump campaign's use of "Freedom" has sparked backlash from Beyoncé's fanbase and raised questions about copyright infringement. The video, which showed Trump giving a two-handed fist pump while walking on the tarmac, was quickly removed from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following the controversy.
This incident is not isolated, as the Trump campaign has faced similar issues with other artists in the past. The estate of the late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes recently 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.
Additionally, earlier this month, Celine Dion publicly condemned Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, for playing her Oscar-winning song "My Heart Will Go On" from the Titanic soundtrack at a Montana rally without permission.
The use of popular music in political campaigns has long been a contentious issue, with many artists objecting to their work being associated with political figures or parties without their consent. In 2016, Trump faced similar criticism when he consistently played Adele's hit "Rolling in the Deep" at his campaign events, prompting the singer to inform him that he did not have permission to use her music.
Beyoncé's "Freedom" holds particular significance in the current political landscape, as Vice President Kamala Harris adopted it as her unofficial campaign anthem last month. According to reports, Harris received permission from Beyoncé to use the song through the November election.
An insider revealed that Donald Trump's campaign did not get permission to use Beyoncé's song "Freedom" from her popular Lemonade album. This unauthorized use infringes on copyright laws and contradicts the artist's preferences. Beyoncé's representatives are contemplating legal action to safeguard her intellectual property and ensure her work is not misrepresented.
The ongoing disputes between musicians and political campaigns highlight the complex intersection of art, politics, and copyright law. Many artists are becoming increasingly vocal about protecting their work from unauthorized use in political contexts, especially when such use may imply endorsement or support for candidates or parties.
The Trump campaign's removal of the video featuring "Freedom" suggests an awareness of the potential legal ramifications of using copyrighted material without permission. However, the recurring nature of these incidents across various political campaigns indicates a broader issue within the political sphere.
As the 2024 election season progresses, campaigns may need to be more cautious about their use of popular music and other copyrighted material. The potential for legal action and negative publicity could outweigh any perceived benefits of using well-known songs without proper authorization.
In conclusion, Beyoncé's threat of legal action against the Trump campaign over the unauthorized use of her song "Freedom" underscores the ongoing tension between artists and political campaigns. The incident has reignited discussions about copyright infringement and the proper use of music in political contexts. As the election season continues, it remains to be seen how campaigns will navigate the use of popular music while respecting artists' rights and avoiding potential legal challenges.
