Rufus Wainwright has joined the sizable chorus of performers disgusted by the use of their music at Donald Trump’s presidential campaign events, after his cover of the late Leonard Cohen‘s iconic “Hallelujah” was played last night (Oct. 14) during a rally in Oaks, Pa.
“The song ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth,” says Wainwright, whose version appears on the 2001 Shrek soundtrack. “I’ve been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance. Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy. 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.”
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Per a Wainwright spokesperson, the publishing company that administers Cohen’s copyrights has sent the Trump campaign a cease-and-desist letter. Previously, artists such as Beyoncé, Jack White, the estate of Isaac Hayes and Celine Dion have taken the Trump campaign to task and demanded he stop playing their songs at his rallies.
Beyond Wainwright’s personal connection to “Hallelujah,” which is one of the most-covered songs of the modern era, he conceived a child, Viva, via sperm donation with Cohen’s daughter Lorca.
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