Why was Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté's "Minions" routine initially denied?

The skater's "Minions" routine faced an initial copyright denial from Universal, despite being submitted through the ClicknClear system in August 2025.

How did public support affect the "Minions" routine's music clearance?

Widespread public outcry and support for skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté were influential factors in Universal's decision to reverse the copyright denial.

When did music clearance become a significant issue in figure skating?

Music clearance became a significant and complex issue for figure skaters following a lawsuit in 2022 involving Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier.

Home / Sports / Minions Music Meltdown: Skater's Olympic Dream Saved!

Minions Music Meltdown: Skater's Olympic Dream Saved!

3 Feb

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Summary

Skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté's Minions routine cleared for Olympics.
A 2022 lawsuit significantly changed music clearance processes for skaters.
Public outcry influenced Universal's reversal on Minions music rights.

Minions Music Meltdown: Skater's Olympic Dream Saved!

Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté has secured permission to use his "Minions"-themed routine for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The six-time national champion's short-form program faced an initial copyright denial, but Universal has now reversed its decision following widespread support.

Guarino Sabaté, who wears a Minion-inspired outfit, stated his aim was to bring a playful style to the ice. His initial submission through ClicknClear in August 2025 went unflagged, but a denial on January 30, 2026, threatened his Olympic participation.

The landscape of music clearance in figure skating drastically changed after a 2022 lawsuit by Heavy Young Heathens against Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier. This led to a complex, often burdensome, music rights process for skaters, with the International Skating Union partnering with ClicknClear.