A federal judge in Atlanta has ordered former President Donald Trump and his campaign to cease using the iconic soul song "Hold On, I'm Coming" as a legal battle with the family of one of the song's co-writers continues.
According to AP News, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash issued the ruling on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in response to a lawsuit filed by the estate of Isaac Hayes Jr.
The lawsuit, filed last month, alleges copyright infringement by Trump, his campaign, and several allies. Judge Thrash's decision grants an emergency preliminary injunction requested by Hayes' estate, effectively halting the use of the 1966 hit song at Trump's campaign events. However, the judge denied a request to force the removal of existing videos that include the song.
Ronald Coleman, an attorney representing Trump and his campaign, addressed reporters after the hearing. He stated that the campaign had already agreed to discontinue the use of the song moving forward. Coleman emphasized that the campaign has no interest in causing distress to anyone and respects the Hayes family's feelings on the matter.
The attorney also highlighted the importance of the judge's decision not to require the removal of existing videos featuring the song. This aspect of the ruling was seen as significant by the Trump campaign, as it prevents what they might consider overreach at this stage of the litigation.
Isaac Hayes III, son of the late musician, expressed gratitude for the judge's decision. He views this case as an opportunity for other artists to assert their rights and protect their music from unauthorized political use.
This legal dispute is not an isolated incident in the realm of political campaigns and music usage. The Trump campaign has faced similar challenges from various artists in the past, particularly during the 2020 election cycle.
A string of high-profile musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, and Neil Young, have previously objected to Trump using their songs at campaign events. These incidents highlight the ongoing tension between political campaigns and artists' control over their intellectual property.
More recently, Celine Dion's team issued a statement following the use of "My Heart Will Go On" at a Trump campaign rally in Montana last month. The statement emphasized that the singer did not authorize or endorse the use of her song in this context.
The lawsuit filed by Isaac Hayes Jr.'s estate and Isaac Hayes Enterprises claims ownership of all rights to "Hold On, I'm Coming," including the copyright. The plaintiffs allege that Trump and his campaign began using the song without permission in 2020 and have used it at least 133 times since then.
According to the lawsuit, Universal Music Group and Warner Chappell Music, publishers contracted by Isaac Hayes Enterprises, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign in 2020. The plaintiffs argue that the unauthorized use of the song could mislead the public into believing there is an endorsement or business relationship between Hayes' estate and the Trump campaign.
In response, lawyers for Trump and his campaign contend that they obtained a license from BMI Music in November 2022, authorizing the use of "Hold On, I'm Coming." They also argue that the plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate ownership of the copyright or prove any harm resulting from the song's use.
The federal judge's ruling requires the Trump campaign to cease using "Hold On, I'm Coming" while the lawsuit proceeds. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between artists' rights and political campaign practices. It underscores the complexities of copyright law in the political sphere and may influence future interactions between musicians and political entities. As the case continues, it will likely remain a focal point in discussions about intellectual property rights in political contexts.
