Attorneys representing the singer-songwriter JMSN, whose real name is Christian Berishaj, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the White House demanding it stop using his song 'Love Me' in a government-funded advertisement featuring President Trump, according to Rolling Stone, CBS News, UPI, Axios and Deadline.
The Monday letter was sent to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles by attorneys for JMSN, including those from Democracy Defenders Action, according to Axios. The letter stated that JMSN never authorized the use of his song in the ad, according to Rolling Stone.
CBS News reported that JMSN's attorneys say the use of the song violates federal copyright law and have demanded the ad be withdrawn.
According to Axios, the letter said JMSN does not want to be viewed as directly or indirectly affiliated with the president or his administration. Deadline reported the ad was paid for using tax dollars rather than campaign funds.
Axios noted that the administration has repeatedly faced criticism over its use of celebrities' music and images.
How each side covered it
Left
- Rolling Stone and CBS News reported JMSN's lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding the ad's withdrawal.
- Both outlets noted JMSN said he never authorized use of his song.
- CBS News reported the letter cites a violation of federal copyright law.
“JMSN Demands White House Stop Using ‘Love Me’ in Government-Funded Trump Ad” — Rolling Stone
Center
- Axios and Deadline identified the letter's recipient as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
- Axios quoted the letter saying JMSN does not want to appear affiliated with Trump or his administration.
- Deadline and Axios noted the ad was funded with taxpayer money, not campaign funds.
- Axios placed the dispute in the context of repeated criticism of the administration's use of celebrities' music and images.
“"Love Me" artist doesn't love Trump using his song” — Axios
Questions readers ask
What happened with JMSN and the Trump ad?
Attorneys for singer JMSN sent a cease-and-desist letter to the White House demanding it stop using his song 'Love Me' in a taxpayer-funded ad featuring President Trump, saying he never authorized its use.
Who sent the cease-and-desist letter and to whom?
Attorneys for JMSN, whose real name is Christian Berishaj, including lawyers from Democracy Defenders Action, sent the letter Monday to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to Axios.
Why does this dispute matter?
The ad was funded with taxpayer money rather than campaign funds, according to Deadline, and JMSN's attorneys say its use of his song violates federal copyright law, per CBS News.
Has the Trump administration faced similar issues before?
Axios reported that the administration has repeatedly come under fire for its use of celebrities' music and images in its materials.
What does JMSN want from the White House?
According to Rolling Stone and CBS News, JMSN's attorneys are demanding the ad be withdrawn, and the letter stated he does not want to be seen as affiliated with the president or his administration, per Axios.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningArtist whose song is featured in Trump ad sends cease-and-desist order
- Rolling StoneLeft-leaningJMSN Demands White House Stop Using ‘Love Me’ in Government-Funded Trump Ad
- AxiosCenter"Love Me" artist doesn't love Trump using his song
- DeadlineCenterJMSN Fires Off Letter Over Use Of Song In Ad Spot Touting Trump
- UPICenterJMSN demands Trump stop using his song in taxpayer-funded ads