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Queen in ‘uphill battle’ to stop Trump using songs in campaign social media videos

‘We Will Rock You’ was this week used in a Triller video by Trump campaign

Isobel Lewis
Friday 21 August 2020 12:09 BST
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Queen have described their journey to stop Donald Trump from using their music in social media campaigns as an “uphill battle”.

Earlier this week, the president’s campaign used the band’s hit song “We Will Rock You” in a video on TikTok rival Triller.

It’s not the first time Trump has featured the anthem in promotional material, with Queen last year seeking to block him from using the song after it was used without permission in a Twitter campaign video.

But despite the group “continuing to oppose and try to block usage of their songs”, a representative told BBC News that getting Trump to stop using their songs had been an “uphill battle”.

“The band itself has been quite outspoken on the subject”, a spokesperson said, adding that they had “repeatedly taken issue with the Trump campaign”.

Queen’s Brian May (left) and Trump
Queen’s Brian May (left) and Trump (Getty Images)

While the Twitter video using “We Will Rock You” was taken down due to copyright infringement, the recent campaign ad still remains on Triller.

Earlier this month, singer Neil Young sued the Trump campaign for using his songs “Rockin’ In The Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” in what he called a “campaign of ignorance and hate”.

A number of musical artists, including Mick Jagger, Lorde and Sia, have also signed a letter demanding politicians seek permission before playing their music at campaign rallies and public events.

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