Neil Young Sues Trump For $10M Over Using "Rockin' In The Free World" Again
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Neil Young has filed a new $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit against Donald Trump for unauthorized use of Young's song "Rockin’ in the Free World" at Trump’s 2024 campaign rallies.
- The lawsuit alleges that Trump’s campaign knowingly used the song without a license, violating a previous 2020 settlement where Trump’s team agreed not to use the song without permission.
- Young’s complaint highlights the song’s critical message contrasting political rhetoric with harsh social realities, stating it is fundamentally opposed to Trump’s values.
- The suit was filed after the song was played at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, and reportedly at other Republican events aimed at boosting midterm election votes.
- Young’s legal team emphasized that the unauthorized use damages his reputation by implying his support for Trump, which he explicitly rejects.
