Rufus Wainwright has strongly criticised Donald Trump for using Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” during a tumultuous campaign event for the Republican presidential nominee. The Canadian singer-songwriter labelled Trump’s use of the song as “the height of blasphemy” and expressed being “mortified” in a statement that coincided with a cease-and-desist order from Cohen’s estate.
Wainwright, whose rendition of “Hallelujah” featured on the soundtrack of the animated film Shrek in 2001, described the song as “an anthem dedicated to peace, love, and acceptance of the truth”. He stated, “Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy.” He further added, “Of course, I in no way condone this and was mortified, but the good in me hopes that perhaps in inhabiting and really listening to the lyrics of Cohen’s masterpiece, Donald Trump just might experience a hint of remorse over what he’s caused. I’m not holding my breath.”
During the chaotic Q&A session in Oaks, Pennsylvania, where attendees required medical attention due to high temperatures, Trump played several songs. Trump later claimed that the attendees who needed medical help had fainted out of “excitement”. Following this, he suggested turning the session into a music fest rather than taking further questions.
Among the other tracks played were Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain”, James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”, Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”, and the Village People’s “YMCA”. His Democratic opponent, vice president Kamala Harris, shared a clip of the event with the caption, “Hope he’s OK.”
Trump faced ridicule for playing “Time to Say Goodbye”, a translated version of the Italian song “Con te partirò” made famous by Andrea Bocelli at the 1995 Sanremo Music Festival. Critics pointed out the irony of using the song, known to be played at funerals, calling it “the perfect song for Trump”. Trump’s history of using artists’ music without permission has led to objections from various artists including Jack White, ABBA, Eddy Grant, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Phil Collins, Rihanna, and Nickelback.