Beyoncé Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images
Beyoncé is not happy with former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the singer learned that a 13-second video featuring her song “Freedom” was used in a clip posted by Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung. The video, showing Trump getting off a plane in Michigan, went up on Cheung’s social media account, sparking controversy. Beyoncé’s team quickly moved to issue a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign.
The issue lies in the fact that Trump’s team did not ask for or receive permission to use Beyoncé’s song. “Freedom,” a track from her popular Lemonade album, is significant because it has become closely associated with Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has been using the song, with Beyoncé’s approval, in her campaign, making it an unofficial anthem for her run for president after Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election.
Sources close to Beyoncé shared that she was not pleased with the Trump campaign’s unauthorized use of her song. As of Wednesday, August 21, the video remained on Cheung’s account, even though the singer’s record label had already sent out the legal warning. The video had been viewed by many, adding to the tension surrounding the event. Fans of Beyoncé were quick to rally on social media, expressing their support for the singer and criticizing the Trump campaign’s actions.
This is not the first time Donald Trump’s campaign has faced backlash over the use of music. Over the years, many artists have voiced their frustrations about their work being used without permission at Trump rallies and events. Musicians from different genres have publicly criticized the former president, and some have even taken legal action.
Beyoncé’s “Freedom” is not just any song. It has strong political and social messages that align with Harris’s campaign for unity and justice. On Monday, August 19, 2024, a new ad from Harris’s campaign debuted, using the song as its soundtrack. Actor Jeffrey Wright provided the narration, asking thought-provoking questions about the future of the country. In the ad, Wright emphasized the values of unity and resilience, while the powerful lyrics of “Freedom” played in the background.
Harris’s connection to the song dates back to earlier in her campaign. At her first major appearance after securing Biden’s endorsement, she walked out to “Freedom” playing. It has since become a theme song of sorts for her campaign, embodying her message of hope and determination. Beyoncé’s decision to allow the Harris campaign to use the song was intentional and symbolic, making the unauthorized use by the Trump campaign even more controversial.
Trump’s history of using songs without permission is well documented. Artists like The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Aerosmith have all taken steps to prevent their music from being used at his events. Trump’s team has often ignored these requests, continuing to use music without official approval. This has led to lawsuits and public disputes over the years. The former president’s disregard for intellectual property has frustrated many artists, some of whom have strong political stances that oppose his.
For Beyoncé, the issue goes beyond just music. Her activism and support for social justice causes are well known. Her involvement in movements like Black Lives Matter and her push for equality have made her a prominent figure in political and social circles. The use of her song without consent in a campaign that opposes many of the causes she supports is deeply problematic for the singer and her team.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether the Trump campaign will take down the video or face further legal consequences. The video continues to circulate on social media, with supporters from both sides chiming in on the controversy. While some Trump supporters defended the video, others called for it to be removed, recognizing the legal and ethical issues involved.
Beyoncé’s fans, also known as the “Beyhive,” have been vocal in their support for the singer, urging the Trump campaign to stop using her music without permission. Social media was flooded with messages from fans expressing their outrage and sharing memes about the situation. For many, this incident is just another example of the Trump campaign’s disregard for the creative work of artists.
The dispute over “Freedom” may just be another chapter in the long-standing tension between artists and the Trump campaign. But for Beyoncé, it is about protecting her work, her values, and the causes she supports. Whether the cease-and-desist letter will lead to the removal of the video or escalate into a legal battle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Beyoncé will not stand for her music being used without her approval, especially in a way that contradicts her principles.
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