The property of late singer Isaac Hayes has filed a $3 million copyright lawsuit in opposition to Donald Trump after figuring out 134 cases by which the previous president allegedly used the track “Maintain On, I’m Coming” at marketing campaign rallies with out permission.
“We demand the cessation of use, elimination of all associated movies, a public disclaimer, and fee of $3 million in licensing charges by August 16, 2024. Failure to conform will lead to additional authorized motion,” the lawsuit reads.
In a press release, Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, mentioned: “Donald Trump epitomizes an absence of integrity and sophistication, not solely by way of his steady use of my father’s music with out permission but additionally by way of his historical past of sexual abuse in opposition to ladies and his racist rhetoric. This conduct will now not be tolerated, and we are going to take swift motion to place an finish to it.”
“We stand in solidarity with all musicians whose work has been co-opted with out consent by divisive political campaigns. A musical performers artwork is a mirrored image of their soul, not a software for selling hatred or bigotry,” Hayes continued. “It’s time for all artists to unite and demand respect for his or her artistic legacies.”
Trump has a historical past of utilizing music at his rallies and marketing campaign occasions from artists and bands who’ve publicly opposed his candidacy, typically leading to cease-and-desist orders and authorized threats. Simply this previous weekend, Celine Dion denounced Trump for utilizing her track “My Coronary heart Will Go On” at a rally in Montana.
We the household of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his marketing campaign for 134 counts copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the track “Maintain On I’m Coming” at marketing campaign rallies from 2022-2024.
We demand… pic.twitter.com/GOBLz7ejYL
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 11, 2024