Musician Rufus Wainwright has expressed outrage after learning that his rendition of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” was used during a Trump campaign rally. In a public statement, Wainwright said he was “mortified” to find out that his performance of the song, which he considers deeply personal, was employed without his permission for political purposes.
The use of “Hallelujah” during the rally immediately drew backlash from both Wainwright and the estate of Leonard Cohen. Wainwright, known for his unique interpretation of the classic, stressed that the song should not be co-opted for divisive political agendas, particularly given the song’s spiritual and emotional significance. This is not the first time musicians have taken issue with political campaigns using their work without approval, sparking ongoing discussions about the rights of artists in political settings.
