Current:Home > InvestDonald Trump's campaign prohibited from using Isaac Hayes song after lawsuit threat -WealthRoots Academy
Donald Trump's campaign prohibited from using Isaac Hayes song after lawsuit threat
View
Date:2025-04-12 09:59:25
A federal judge in Atlanta ruled Tuesday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his campaign can no longer use Isaac Hayes' song "Hold On, I'm Comin.'"
The ruling comes nearly a month after Hayes' family threatened to sue the former president over his use of the track, co-written by Hayes and performed by soul duo Sam & Dave, at rallies.
"Today our family was granted an injunction against @realdonaldtrump from playing @IsaacHayes3 music ever again," Hayes' son Isaac Hayes III wrote on X. "We are please(d) with the decision by the court and move to the next phase of this lawsuit."
Hayes III previously shared a copy of a copyright infringement notice on social media, filed by lawyer James Walker and issued to Trump, demanding his campaign pay $3 million in licensing fees. The late singer's family was considering suing for 134 counts of copyright infringement for the "unauthorized use of the song" at campaign rallies over the last two years.
Read more here:Isaac Hayes' family demands Trump stop using his song at rallies, $3M in fees
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The notice also demanded the Trump campaign remove videos featuring the song and issue a public disclaimer, or else face "further legal action."
Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr. granted the Hayes estate's request to halt Trump's use of the song, but the judge reportedly denied the estate's motion to remove previously recorded uses of the song from the campaign, according to CNN and The Associated Press.
While speaking to reporters after the hearing, Trump's attorney Ronald Coleman said the former president's legal team was pleased with Thrash's ruling on previous uses of the song. Coleman added that the Trump campaign had already agreed not to use the track anymore.
"The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone, and if the Hayes family feels that it hurts or annoys them, that's fine. We're not going to force the issue," Coleman said, per CNN and AP.
Following the judge's ruling, Hayes' son told reporters he was "very grateful and happy," according to AP.
"I want this to serve as an opportunity for other artists to come forward that don’t want their music used by Donald Trump or other political entities and continue to fight for music artists’ rights and copyright," his son said, per the outlet.
The Hayes family's motion against the Trump campaign is listed as a preliminary injunction in the case, according to the U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia website. Future hearing dates were not immediately available.
Hayes died on Aug. 10, 2008. He co-wrote "Hold On, I’m Comin,'" released in 1966, with David Porter. The soul-pop hit has been covered by Aretha Franklin, Waylon Jennings, Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Tina Turner.
The number of songs Trump can use at his rallies is steadily decreasing.
Donald Trump v. Beyoncé:Trump's campaign removes 'Freedom' video after reports singer sent cease and desist
Hayes' family joins a long list of people who have demanded the former president stop using artists' music at his rallies, including Sinéad O'Connor's estate, Prince's estate, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco and the family of Tom Petty.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
veryGood! (176)
Related
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Retired 4-star Navy admiral allegedly awarded government contract in exchange for job
- Police arrest 'thong thief' accused of stealing $14K of Victoria's Secret underwear
- Google admits its AI Overviews can generate some odd, inaccurate results
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- In historic move, Vermont becomes 1st state to pass law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate change damages
- Downtown Atlanta water service disrupted, forcing business closings, water boil notice
- Anal sex is stigmatized due to homophobia, experts say. It's time we start talking about it.
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Michigan’s U.S. Senate field set with candidates being certified for August primary ballot
Ranking
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Whoopi Goldberg makes rare Friday appearance on 'The View' for Donald Trump guilty verdict
- Man accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley pleads not guilty in Georgia court
- Trump may face travel restrictions in some countries after his New York conviction
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Jennifer Lopez cancels This is Me ... Now tour to spend time with family: I am completely heartsick
- Kyra Sedgwick and the lighter side of disability in All of Me
- Massachusetts teacher on leave after holding mock slave auction and using racial slur, official says
Recommendation
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Run, Don’t Walk to J. Crew Factory’s Swim & Short Sale With Cute One Pieces, Bikinis & More up to 60% Off
Alleged 'serial slingshot shooter' dies a day after bonding out of California jail
South Korea court orders SK Group boss to pay a record $1 billion divorce settlement
A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes Prove They're the Ones to Beat at White House Celebration With Chiefs
Three Maryland family members fatally shot, another wounded, suspect takes own life, police say
3 new arrests in shootings that injured 11 in downtown Savannah