Hayes Family Threatens Suit Against Trump for Theft and Racism

Racist, Sexist Trump Faces $3 Million Lawsuit for Stolen Song

Former President Donald Trump is being sued by the family of legendary musician Isaac Hayes for repeatedly and illegally using the song "Hold On, I'm Coming," which was co-written by Hayes. Trump and his campaign have used the song over 130 times without permission, and now the Hayes family is demanding a minimum payment of $3 million to avert legal action.

In a statement on X, Isaac Hayes' son, Isaac Hayes III, called out Trump's lack of integrity and class, particularly in his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric. The family first noticed the unauthorized use of the song back in May 2022 and sent a cease-and-desist letter, but Trump continued to use it.

Hayes III, who has seven sisters, expressed his outrage in an interview on MSNBC:

"I am the brother to seven sisters. Seven black women. Donald Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse. He consistently says things negatively about Kamala Harris, disrespectfully. I don't want people to hear 'Hold On I'm Coming' and think of Isaac Hayes."

The family is prepared to sue Trump and his campaign for 134 counts of copyright infringement and will demand a payment of $3 million in licensing fees, a public disclaimer, removal of related videos, and an end to the use of the song. The letter sent by their lawyers also states that they will seek a higher penalty if litigation is necessary, starting at $150,000 per use of the song.

Trump has a long history of unauthorized use of songs at his campaign rallies, with artists such as Tom Petty, Prince, Celine Dion, Panic! at the Disco, and Sinead O'Connor condemning him for his actions. It's clear that Trump has no regard for the law or the wishes of these musicians, and now he is facing the consequences.

The beats of justice are coming for Trump as his bigoted campaign crashes to the legal floor.

Sources:

• Tweet from Isaac Hayes III
• Tweet from Isaac Hayes' account
• U.S. Copyright Office on Using Musical Works Legally
• U.S. Copyright Office on Sound Recordings
• Music Modernization Act
• U.S. Copyright Office on Fair Use
• Section 115 License for Musical Works