Judge declines to dismiss Eddy Grant's lawsuit against Trump for using 'Electric Avenue'
Category: News & Politics
Via: sister-mary-agnes-ample-bottom • 3 years ago • 37 commentsBy: Jordan Williams (MSN)
A New York federal judge declined to dismiss musician Eddy Grant's lawsuit against former President Trump for using his song "Electric Avenue" in a video posted to Twitter last year.
© The Hill Judge declines to dismiss Eddy Grant's lawsuit against Trump for using 'Electric Avenue'
U.S. District Judge John Koeltl issued an order on Tuesday denying Trump's motion to dismiss the suit, finding that the defendant failed to argue that the song was fair use.
In the ruling, Koeltl said the song was featured in over two-thirds of the video and plays "no discernible role in communicating the video's overarching political commentary."
"The video's overarching political purpose does not automatically make this use transformative, and the other fair use factors also favor the plaintiffs at this stage," the suit claims.
Grant filed the suit against Trump and his re-election campaign in September 2020 alleging copyright infringement after Trump posted a video to his Twitter account on Aug. 12 attacking then-presidential nominee Joe Biden.
The animated video included "Electric Avenue" in the background. The video also featured a train with the Trump campaign's logo followed by a railroad handcar that Biden manually operates.
Twitter removed the video following a copyright claim from Grant.
Trump's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the suit in November, writing the purpose of the video was not to disseminate the song, but for satire.
"A reasonable observer would perceive that the Animation uses the Song for a comedic, political purpose - a different and transformed purpose from that of the original Song," the motion reads. "Moreover, in light of the obvious comedic or satirical nature of the Animation, a reasonable observer would regard the Animation as criticism or commentary."
The Hill has reached out to a spokesperson for Trump for comment on the ruling.
Grant was one of several artists to push back on Trump for his use of music. Other include Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, and Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco.
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My dude just can't catch a break.
... and the hits just keep coming...
And there isn't a more worthy recipient on this planet.
wait until eric inadvertently throws daddy under the bus, if he hasn't already...
I hope that steaming pile of shit is facing civil lawsuits and any other lawsuits coming his way for the rest of his life. He'll be ducking and dodging subpoenas from now until he's dead or will be behind bars, whichever comes first I'm cool with
Me, too. I also hope there will be an opportunity for the people he screwed out of their money, be it small business contractors or his own hourly wage employees, to recoup at least a little of what they are owed. Maybe some of the people whose reputations he ruined with his lies and other bullshit, are either reinstated to their positions, or at the very least, given some kind of monetary compensation straight from his pocket.
Satire?
What idiot in the trmp campaign had the intelligence to use satire...or even define the word?
I know, right? When one has no defense, why not throw several different kinds of shit at the wall to see what sticks.
Hahahaha, another loss.
It's going to make a long list one day
And soon, I hope.
on a side note, I remember when this song was an MTV hit. I hated hearing this song and I hated the simplistic music video. I'm glad he's defending his copyright and suing the orange menace for stealing from him though.
I didn't like it either, BUT go Eddy...
It's not one of my personal favorites. The downside is that I've had the damn thing in my head since reading the article. I have no intention of suffering alone.
They used to do this stupid line dance at the NCO club when they played this song. I never did learn it
no comment.
GEEEEZZZZ thanks.... it is now running around in my head....
I'm am not clicking on that video. I could have produced that shit with the money I have in my front pocket.
I refuse to suffer alone.
I thought that was the "Electric Slide"???
Actually, you can't I went shopping and took your pants with me...wallet and all.
You know what? You're right.
I can't tell one stupid song from another
Did you leave him handcuffed to the bed . . . .again?
no comment.
no need. if she's focused, I can't walk for 5 hours and besides, she mops the hardwoods with wesson oil to hinder any escape attempts and rolls up the throw rug upon her exit. she handed me the TV remote, and there's half a can of chocolate fudge frosting left, so no big deal.
Film at 11:00. 24-hour streaming upon request.
the antidote?
crap. so that's why you insisted on wearing that lone ranger mask and red hair wig...
Ha!!!!
A disguise is contingent upon the amount of current flab jiggle, combined with the length of time since my last tanning salon visit.
That's the second time you said that to me
Could he be confusing you with the ostrich?
LMAO!
I think he's having fun with my memory loss
I'm biting my lip.
Not to hard, the ostrich loses it
if it sees blood.