Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi has hit out at Kamala Harris for her “unauthorised” use of a photo of the DJ in a campaign.
Abdulhadi – who does not endorse any US political party – took to her official Instagram account to share that she “did not approve this message”. In a new Harris-Walz campaign ad titled ‘Trump vs Detroit’, footage of the DJ’s set at Movement Festival was used.
“The use of this footage was unauthorised and done without my consent. The use of this footage implies that I endorse Vice President Harris’ presidential candidacy, which is totally and utterly false. It is deeply offensive to my social, moral and political beliefs and is misleading political advertising by VP Harris’ presidential campaign,” she wrote in her statement.
She added: “For the avoidance of doubt, I do not endorse nor have I ever endorsed Vice President Harris, and I am taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that this video is promptly retracted. To dispel any notion of an association between myself and VP Harris’ campaign for the US presidency.”
As shared by Mixmag, Abdulhadi has been vocal about the US government’s complicity in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and published a statement urging the electronic music community to “boycott zionism.”
Harris’ Republican opponent, Donald Trump, has regularly found himself in legal trouble regarding the unauthorised use of music during his presidential campaign.
Last month, the former president lost a legal battle over using Eddy Grant‘s song ‘Electric Avenue’ without permission. The White Stripes also sued him for copyright infringement over the alleged use of ‘Seven Nation Army’ in a campaign video without their permission.
Isaac Hayes’ estate is suing Trump for $3million (£2.28m) after allegedly finding over 130 instances where the song was used at his campaign rallies without permission. Last week, a federal judge ruled that Trump and his campaign must stop using Hayes’ song ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’.
Throughout the last year alone, ABBA have demanded Trump stop using their music, and Beyoncé reportedly threatened the former president with legal action for using her song ‘Freedom’ in a social media video.
Celine Dion also said she did not endorse the use of her iconic song ‘My Heart Will Go On’, while Johnny Marr “shut down” his use of The Smiths’ ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want’.
