Céline Dion accuses Donald Trump and JD Vance of using one of her famous songs at a campaign rally without her permission.
After the former president performed “My Heart Will Go On” at his rally in Montana on Friday, the singer’s management team released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday condemning Trump’s use of the song to support his political candidacy.
“Today, Céline Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized use of the video, recording, musical performance and image of Céline Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump/JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” the post said.
“This use is in no way authorized, and Céline Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. … And really, THIS song?” Dion’s team concluded.
According to one social media user, Trump also played “Without You” by Harry Nilsson, “Mercy, Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye, “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton and several Elvis songs.
Trump has played Dion’s song at political events in the past. But because he decided to show a video of Dion singing the famous single “Titanic” at Friday’s rally, the Republican candidate and his running mate face legal consequences, Variety reports.
The news came shortly after Dion made a triumphant return to the stage despite her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare and progressive neurological disorder.
After months of promising her comeback, the “Because You Loved Me” singer, who announced her diagnosis in December 2022, closed the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in July by singing “Hymne A L’Amour” by Édith Piaf on top of the Eiffel Tower.
While initial rumors suggested she would receive $2 million for her performance, an Olympic spokesperson revealed to Page Six that singers do not receive any payment for performing at the major sporting event.
“Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and the world of sport,” the spokesman said.
However, we were informed that the association would cover all expenses for the “technical production” as well as the “usual performance costs”.
