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Rufus Wainwright Calls Trump's Use of 'Hallelujah' at Pennsylvania Rally 'Height of Blasphemy'; Cease-and-Desist Issued

Oct 15, 2024, 04:41 PM

Rufus Wainwright has publicly condemned Donald Trump for playing his cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' during a rally in Pennsylvania. In a statement, Wainwright described the event as 'the height of blasphemy,' expressing his disapproval of how his music was used in the context of Trump's political gathering. He emphasized that the song has become an anthem for peace and acceptance, and he felt 'mortified' witnessing its appropriation by Trump and his supporters. Following this incident, the publisher of Leonard Cohen's estate has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign, demanding that they refrain from using Wainwright's version of the song in future events.