Pharrell Williams Sues Trump

Pharrell Williams has sent a cease-and-desist letter to President Donald Trump after the latter played Williams' 2014 hit song "Happy" at a political event in the Midwest on the same day that nearly a dozen people were killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Williams' lawyer stated that the use of the song was in violation of "copyright infringement" and "trademark rights," and that permission was not granted for its use for political purposes. The letter also made it clear that Williams will not allow Trump to use any of his musical catalogs in the future. This is not the first time that Trump has been criticized for his use of songs at political events.

Other musicians, including Aerosmith, R.E.M., Prince's Estate, and Queen, have also objected to the president's use of their music. Entertainment lawyer Zachary Elsea warns that artists are now more likely to find out if their music is being used without permission due to the internet and social media, and many artists are willing to sue politicians who use their work without permission.