Isaac Hayes III Reacts to Court Ruling Against Donald Trump’s Use of Late Singer’s Music
3 min read
In a significant legal victory, Isaac Hayes III, son of the late legendary musician Isaac Hayes, expressed his satisfaction after a federal court in Atlanta issued an emergency injunction on Tuesday, September 3. The court ruling ordered former President Donald Trump to cease using Isaac Hayes’s classic song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his campaign rallies and events.
At a press conference following the ruling, Isaac Hayes III shared his thoughts on the court’s decision, calling it a “best possible outcome.” When asked whether the lawsuit against Trump was politically driven, Hayes III firmly denied any political motivation behind the legal action. He stated, “Totally not. Totally not politically motivated.”
Today our family was granted an injunction against @realdonaldtrump from playing @IsaacHayes3 music ever again. We are please with the decision by the court and move to the next phase of this lawsuit.
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) September 3, 2024
I wanna thank @jameslwalkeresq @Lizgarnergroup and team for their hard work… pic.twitter.com/3evIfSe5Yq
The legal battle began after Hayes III took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 25 to voice his concerns. He revealed that he had repeatedly asked Trump’s campaign to stop using his father’s song at political events, but his requests were ignored. Frustrated by the lack of response, Hayes III decided to take legal action, filing a copyright infringement lawsuit against Trump on August 26. The lawsuit also sought a licensing fee of $3 million for the unauthorized use of the song.
Hayes III had previously announced on August 23 that the court had granted an emergency hearing for the case. During the hearing, Federal Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. ruled in favor of the Hayes estate, granting the injunction that prohibits Trump from using the song at any future rallies or events.
If I repeatedly used any of @realdonaldtrump’s IP without permission, he would sue the shit out of me. 🤣
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 25, 2024
For all the copyright experts out there here’s how it works. And to the writers who don’t want Trump using their songs here’s how you stop him. 😐@jameslwalkeresq @bmi… pic.twitter.com/zGo5fE1Tbw
However, the ruling did not address all of the Hayes estate’s concerns. While the court ordered Trump to stop using the song, it did not mandate the removal of videos soundtracked to “Hold On, I’m Coming” that had already been uploaded by Trump’s team. James L. Walker, the attorney representing the Hayes family, explained that the lawsuit would now move into an evidentiary phase. The issue of video takedowns will be addressed during the trial process.
During the press conference, Isaac Hayes III emphasized the importance of protecting his father’s legacy. “We are the copyright holders of my father’s song, and we are doing everything in our power to safeguard his legacy,” Hayes III stated. He highlighted the challenges artists face in retaining control over their work, noting that many artists lose the rights to their music to publishing companies. “But I always want to make sure that we are able to protect my father’s legacy,” he added.
🚨Breaking 🚨The Federal Court has granted our request for an Emergency Hearing to secure injunctive relief.
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) August 23, 2024
Donald Trump, @realdonaldtrump, the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the…
Hayes III also revealed that his father had lost the copyright to his music before he was born, but the family has since been working to regain control over his catalog. According to U.S. copyright law, the rights to a song revert to the author or the author’s heirs 56 years after it was published. Hayes III made it clear that the family has no intention of selling any of the rights they have reclaimed.
As the legal battle continues, Isaac Hayes III remains committed to protecting the legacy of his father, ensuring that his iconic music is used with the respect and permission it deserves.
- Also read: Paul Harrell, Influential Gun Rights Advocate and YouTuber, Passes Away After Battle with Cancer
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
