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Stones Deny Melania Film Song Tie-In
25 Feb
Summary
- Rolling Stones deny involvement in "Gimme Shelter" film use.
- Melania producer claimed band "gave blessing" for song use.
- Band states rights holders ABKCO handled song licensing.
The use of The Rolling Stones' iconic song "Gimme Shelter" in the Melania Trump documentary has sparked controversy. Producer Marc Beckman initially told Variety that the band, and specifically Mick Jagger, were "involved" and "gave us his blessing" for the song's inclusion, suggesting a collaborative effort.
However, this claim has been directly refuted. A spokesperson for The Rolling Stones informed The Guardian that the agreement to feature "Gimme Shelter" was solely between the music rights company ABKCO and the film's producers. The band themselves had no direct dealings regarding the song's placement in the film.
Beckman had also asserted that the documentary, which chronicles Melania Trump's activities leading up to January 2025, was not political. He stated that the band was "impressed" by the film's concept. Despite this, the band's denial suggests a discrepancy in Beckman's account.
This incident follows a pattern of artists objecting to their music being used in political contexts, particularly concerning Donald Trump's rallies. While the documentary's producers maintain its non-political nature, the Stones' representatives have clarified the official channels for song licensing.
