Neil Young sues Trump coalition over unlicensed use of his song
Neil Young filed a lawsuit Monday against the Trump 47 Coalition alleging copyright infringement for playing his song at a rally in Ohio.
Legal action details
The complaint was filed in federal court in the eastern district of Virginia. Young is seeking $10 million in damages for the unlicensed use of the track. This marks the second time the musician has sued over this specific song.
Song description in suit
The filing describes the lyrics as contrasting political rhetoric with harsh realities faced by the poor and homeless. Young states the chorus delivers savage irony regarding freedom that is not shared by all. The suit claims the song stands for the opposite of everything Donald Trump represents.
History of disputes
Young previously sued another Trump group in 2020 and that case was settled shortly after being served. The current lawsuit alleges the president continued using the music despite the terms of the prior settlement. A previous suit against a different Trump entity also resulted in an immediate settlement.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.
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The Hollywood Reporter
Neil Young Sues Trump for Using “Rockin’ in the Free World” at Rally: “The Opposite of Everything Donald J. Trump Stands For”
hollywoodreporter.com → -
Variety
Neil Young Files $10 Million Suit Against Trump for Using ‘Rockin’ in the Free World,’ Six Years After a Prior Settlement Over the Same Song
variety.com →