Donald Trump’s rally in Montana sparked a strong social media reaction after Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ was played before the presidential hopeful took to the stage. The irony of an ode to a sinking ship being played at the event did not go unnoticed by observers, with many taking to social media to comment on the song choice. Some even speculated whether Trump’s team had a mole from Kamala Harris’s side, intent on trolling Trump with the music selection.
The use of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ raises questions about the campaign’s rights to the song, which is owned by 20th Century Fox. It is unclear whether the campaign sought permission to use the song publicly. Deadline has reached out to Dion’s representatives for comment on the matter. This isn’t the first time the song has been used at Trump’s events, as it was previously played at a rally on Nov 1, 2020 and at a rally in North Carolina in June 2021.
Aside from the music choice, Trump’s speech at the rally included controversial moments such as misgendering Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who had recently won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Trump also mocked overweight Democrat Senator John Tester during his speech. These incidents added to the polarizing nature of the rally and drew criticism from various quarters.
The controversy surrounding the rally extends beyond just the song choice. French musician Woodkid had previously complained about Trump using his track in a campaign video without permission. Woodkid, who identifies as a proud LGBT+ musician, expressed frustration that his song ‘Run Boy Run’ was used in a video without his consent. This is not the first time Woodkid has raised this issue, as a similar complaint was made when the video was initially released in December.
The use of music at political rallies is a contentious issue that raises questions about legal rights and ethical considerations. The controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s rally in Montana, particularly the choice of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and the unauthorized use of Woodkid’s music, highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for artists’ intellectual property rights. It serves as a reminder that political campaigns must be mindful of the messages they send through the music they choose to play at their events.
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