Sinéad O’Connor’s Estate Requests Cease of Music Usage by Donald Trump
The estate of renowned Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has formally requested Donald Trump to refrain from using her music at campaign events, joining a growing list of artists disassociating themselves from the former US president. This move echoes a trend of artists taking a stand against unauthorized use of their work for political purposes.
The estate of Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has requested Donald Trump to stop using one of her songs at campaign events. This follows a trend of artists expressing their desire to not be linked with the former US president.
In a statement released with her record label, Chrysalis Records, O’Connor’s estate mentioned that the Dublin-born singer would have been “disgusted, hurt, and insulted” by Trump’s use of her rendition of the Prince song “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Sinéad O'Connor was widely recognized for living according to a strong moral code characterized by honesty, kindness, fairness, and decency towards others.
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor performs at Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 16 March 1988. (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns)
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor performs at Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 16 March 1988. (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns)
Paul Bergen/Redferns/Getty Images
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Sinéad O’Connor died of natural causes
We were shocked to hear that Donald Trump has been using Sinéad's iconic performance of Nothing Compares 2 U at his political rallies.
Sinéad would have been appalled to see her work misrepresented like this, especially by someone she called a 'biblical devil'.
“As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump, and his associates desist from using her music immediately,” it concluded.
CNN has contacted Trump’s representatives for comment.
Sinead O'Connor, aged 56, was discovered unconscious at her residence in London last July and was declared deceased at the scene. Her passing was not deemed suspicious, and a coroner in London determined in January that she died of natural causes.
The talented singer was recognized for her pure and clear voice, as well as her exceptional songwriting skills that reflected her thoughts on politics, spirituality, history, and philosophy. Her debut album, "The Lion and the Cobra," received critical acclaim in 1987, but it was O'Connor's 1990 release, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," that propelled her to fame as a well-known artist.
Fans of singer Sinéad O'Connor line the streets for a "last goodbye" to the Irish singer as her funeral cortege passes through her former hometown of Bray, Co Wicklow.
Fans of singer Sinéad O'Connor line the streets for a "last goodbye" to the Irish singer as her funeral cortege passes through her former hometown of Bray, Co Wicklow.
Liam McBurney/AP
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Hundreds of people came together to bid farewell to Sinéad O’Connor during her funeral procession in Ireland. Her famous performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” topped the charts in 1990, thanks to a music video where she appeared with short hair and a black turtleneck.
The latest request from artists concerned about Trump's use of their work comes from her estate.
In 2020, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty's family, R.E.M., and Linkin Park all expressed their discontent with Trump using their music at his campaign events. The Rolling Stones even threatened legal action, while Tom Petty's family issued a cease-and-desist notice.
In 2016, Adele informed a Republican politician that he did not have permission to use her music. In 2018, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler instructed his attorney to send a cease-and-desist letter to Trump's campaign for using the classic hit "Dream On."
This report includes contributions from CNN's Jeremy Diamond, Eric Levenson, Lisa Respers France, Kate Sullivan, and Catherine Nicholls.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the growing trend of artists distancing themselves from former US President Donald Trump by requesting him to refrain from using their music at his campaign events. Sinéad O'Connor's estate, in particular, has condemned Trump's use of her rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U," expressing that the singer would have been deeply offended by such a misrepresentation of her work.
This article resonates with me as it reflects the ethical concerns and personal values that many artists hold dear. It is understandable that artists would not want their creations to be associated with individuals or causes that they find morally repugnant. Music often carries deep personal and emotional significance, and artists have the right to protect the integrity of their work and its intended message. By taking a stand against the unauthorized use of their music, these artists demonstrate their commitment to upholding their artistic vision and maintaining artistic autonomy.
