What is the Beyoncé Donald Trump ‘Freedom’ Video Drama?

As a lifelong gamer and music enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disillusionment when witnessing the ongoing saga between artists like Beyoncé and politicians such as Donald Trump. Having grown up with an appreciation for the creative process and the rights that artists should be afforded, it’s disheartening to see these boundaries being so blatantly crossed.


There’s been quite a bit of chatter lately about the contentious issue involving Beyoncé and Donald Trump, specifically concerning the employment of her song “Freedom” in a campaign advertisement. This incident has ignited extensive debate and even legal proceedings, leading people to ponder about the improper use of music in political scenarios.

It seems there’s been some interaction or controversy involving Beyoncé and Donald Trump. Let me fill you in on the details that have sparked quite a commotion. Here’s what you should know.

What happened between Beyoncé and Donald Trump?

As a devoted fan of Queen B, I found myself in a rather uncomfortable situation when I learned that the Trump presidential campaign had dared to use my beloved “Freedom” without even asking for her blessing (via Billboard). The whole debacle started when one of their spokespeople, Steven Cheung, posted a video showing Trump stepping off a plane with my favorite tune playing in the background. Little did they know that this song from Beyoncé’s 2016 masterpiece, Lemonade, is none other than Kamala Harris’s campaign anthem – and she has reportedly been granted permission to use it for various ads and events. I can only imagine what Beyoncé must be thinking!

As a gamer speaking about my recent experience, I’ve found myself in a tricky situation after unknowingly using someone else’s track in one of my streams. Soon after, I received a cease-and-desist order from the record label and publisher associated with that song. Consequently, I had to take down the video from social media. This incident serves as a reminder of a broader pattern – Trump’s campaign often faces legal repercussions for using music without proper authorization. Many artists, such as Adele and the Rolling Stones, have previously made it clear they don’t approve of Trump utilizing their tunes.

More recently, the family of the deceased musician Isaac Hayes decided to take legal action against President Trump. They claim that Trump intentionally and audaciously violated copyright laws by playing Hayes’s 1966 hit “Hold On, I’m Comin'” at his rallies without permission. The lawsuit asks for $3 million in licensing fees and warns of additional penalties worth $150,000 per use if the matter isn’t resolved (as reported by The Guardian).

The ongoing legal battle surrounding Beyoncé’s actions, among others, underscores the difficulties artists encounter when it comes to managing how their work is utilized in political campaigns. Artists like Neil Young and Michael Stipe of R.E.M., too, have spoken out against Trump’s use of their music. They attribute their resistance to the campaign’s questionable rhetoric.

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2024-08-22 15:12