Isaac Hayes’ Family Files Lawsuit Against Trump Campaign Over Use of Song at Rallies

Isaac Hayes’ estate has filed a lawsuit against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign for “continued unauthorized use” of Sam and Dave’s song “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” in line with Hollywood Reporter.

It was announced that Isaac Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III social media news on Sunday, alleging that the Trump campaign used the song, co-written by Isaac Hayes, at its rallies from 2022 through this yr. The family is in search of $3 million in royalties, THR reported.

The campaign used the one again at an Aug. 9 rally in Montana. Isaac Hayes’ family claims Trump’s office “apparently knew” they didn’t have “permission” to make use of the song, in line with a legal filing obtained by THR.

“We, the @_isaachayes family of Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing Donald Trump and his campaign for 134 counts of copyright infringement related to the unauthorized use of the song “Hold on, I’m Coming” at campaign rallies between 2022 and 2024,” Isaac Hayes’ official X account reads.

The family has demanded a “cease and desist, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by August 16, 2024,” and can seek additional legal remedies if Trump and his campaign don’t comply with those demands.

Isaac Hayes III expanded on the lawsuit in a post on his Instagram on Sunday, stating, “Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continued use of my father’s music without permission, but also through his history of sexually harassing women and his racist rhetoric.”

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“This behavior will no longer be tolerated and we will act swiftly to put an end to it,” the soul singer’s son wrote. “We stand in solidarity with all musicians whose work has been co-opted without consent by divisive political campaigns. A musician’s art is a reflection of their soul, not a tool to promote hate or bigotry. It’s time for all artists to unite and demand respect for their creative legacy.”

According to the filing, obtained by THR, the family’s attorney, James L. Walker Jr., filed a notice of copyright infringement on August 11, requesting that the campaign issue “an official statement as a formal disclaimer that the family and the Hayes Estate ‘have not authorized, endorsed, or permitted the use of the Isaac Hayes Enterprises assets at any time, now or in perpetuity throughout the universe.'”