Beyoncé Issues Cease-and-Desist to Donald Trump for Unauthorized Song Use
Beyoncé has reportedly sent a cease-and-desist notice to former President Donald Trump after his campaign used her song “Freedom” without permission. According to Rolling Stone, the Trump campaign did not receive authorization to feature the track, which is part of her album Lemonade, in a video posted on social media.
The video, lasting 13 seconds, shows Trump exiting a plane in Michigan and was shared by campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung on Twitter on August 20. Despite the cease-and-desist from Beyoncé’s label, the video remains available on the platform at the time of writing.
Interestingly, Beyoncé’s “Freedom” has been prominently featured in Kamala Harris’ campaign materials with the artist’s full consent. Over the summer, the song played during Harris’ first public appearance following Joe Biden’s endorsement and was also part of an official campaign video.
On August 19, Harris’ campaign released a new ad soundtracked by “Freedom,” narrated by actor Jeffrey Wright.
This isn’t the first time Trump has been criticized for using music without permission. Earlier this year, he played Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” during a rally in Montana. Dion’s management and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., quickly condemned the unauthorized use, making it clear that the singer did not endorse the campaign.
As of now, the Trump campaign has not responded to the cease-and-desist from Beyoncé’s team. Further updates will follow as the story develops.
