Isaac Hayes’ estate has sued Donald Trump for copyright infringement over his unauthorized use the late star’s hit, “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his rallies.
Isaac Hayes Enterprises filed papers on Sunday, Aug. 11 for 134 counts of copyright infringement between 2022 and 2024 and is seeking a whopping $3 million in licensing fees in just a matter of days.
“We demand the cessation of use, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by Aug. 16, 2024. Failure to comply will result in further legal action,” said Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III.
“It is most unfortunate that these artists have publicly posted on their social media and asked Team Trump and other candidates not to use their music — and yet their candidates keep using their music,” commented James L. Walker Jr., an attorney for Hayes Enterprises.
Trump has riled up many artists by using their songs without permission.
Just days ago, Celine Dion condemned Trump’s use of her Titanic theme song “My Heart Will Go On” at his Montana rally.
The 56-year-old Canadian singer called out the former U.S. president for unauthorized usage of the video, musical performance, and “likeness” of herself that was used as part of his campaign stop on Friday, Aug. 9, as he continues to battle it out with Kamala Harris to be re-elected.
“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. In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. … And really, THAT song?” reads a statement on her official social media channels.
