Donald Trump has been using a song written by the late Isaac Hayes without permission.
TMZ reports that Hayes’ family is suing Trump following the former president’s use of Hayes’ song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies. The family tweeted as much from Hayes’ X account.
“We the family of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his campaign for 134 counts [of] copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song ‘Hold On I’m Coming’ at campaign rallies from 2022-2024,” the family wrote.
The family then revealed its demands, which included “the cessation of use, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by Aug. 16, 2024.”
The family is willing to take “further legal action” if Trump doesn’t fall in line.
According to the outlet, Trump played the song “Hole On, I’m Coming” to end a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Hayes died in 2008 from a stroke. He and David Porter wrote the aforementioned track in 1966 for the soul duo Sam & Dave. The song’s copyright reportedly reverted to the Hayes family in 2022.
Over the weekend, Céline Dion responded to Trump using “My Heart Will Go On” without permission.
Her team issued a statement that read, in part, "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. "
It added, "In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. …And really, THAT song?"