Beyonce threatens legal action against Trump's campaign for using her 'Freedom' track without permission
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump's campaign has come under scrutiny for using Beyonce’s song in one of the clips shared on social media.
Steven Cheung, who is a spokesperson for Trump, posted a video on his own X account as the former president walked off a plane on Tuesday, August 20, to the tunes of the ‘Freedom’ track.
"Touchdown in Michigan!! @realDonaldTrump," he captioned. Interestingly, it is the popular song, which also features Kendrick Lamar, and is widely used by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ campaign events.
As per reports, the Republican presidential nominee’s camp has been threatened with a cease-and-desist.
Touchdown in Michigan!! @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/dtyHZv2yPj
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) August 20, 2024
Democrats have been using Beyonce’s 'Freedom' track on their campaign trail
Beyonce’s 'Freedom' has been used on several occasions, including Kamala Harris’ first campaign ad to her dramatic entrance at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 19.
As the DNC continues, there are even rumors that Beyonce might make a surprise appearance to perform the song live and officially endorse Harris before her speech on Thursday.
On the opening night of the DNC, the Harris campaign unveiled a new ad featuring a cappella version of the song.
'Freedom', a track from Beyonce's critically acclaimed 2016 album 'Lemonade', was officially authorized by the artist for use in Harris’ campaign at the end of July, reported People.
DNC airs new “Freedom” ad to kick off the Democratic Convention pic.twitter.com/lXLqKi2rAN
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 20, 2024
Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles has already endorsed Kamala Harris
Beyonce has not officially endorsed Kamala Harris, unlike her mother Tina Knowles.
The 70-year-old shared a photo next to Harris in late July on Instagram, and captioned, "New, Youthful, Sharp , ,energy !!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country ! Putting personal Ego , power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader, . Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership . Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let's Go ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #kamala2024."
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Earlier this month, the Trump campaign also came under fire from Celine Dion for using her 1997 hit song 'My Heart Will Go On' at a campaign rally in Montana.
"Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana," a statement shared on the artist's social account said.