Prince's family demands Donald Trump stop playing singer's music at rallies
A storm brews as the Prince estate takes aim at Mr Trump for playing Purple Rain at his rallies, demanding it "cease immediately".
Saturday 13 October 2018 08:41, UK
The family of music icon Prince has hit out at Donald Trump, calling for the US president to stop playing the star's songs at his rallies.
The late musician joins a growing list of other artists who have also objected to the billionaire tycoon-turned-world leader playing their music at public events.
Omarr Baker, Prince's half-brother, tweeted: "The Prince Estate has never given permission to President Trump or The White House to use Prince's songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately."
It comes after Mr Trump's team reportedly included the star's hit song Purple Rain in a campaign rally playlist in the lead up to the November midterm elections.
The song was reportedly part of the president's playlist in Mississippi last week.
Others who have spoken against their music being played at Republican rallies include the Rolling Stones, Adele, Queen, George Harrison, Aerosmith, R.E.M. and Neil Young.
Luciano Pavarotti's family also criticised the use of the singer's rendition of the Puccini aria Nessun Dorma at the now US leader's 2016 election rallies.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger previously said there was nothing he could do under US law to stop Mr Trump playing his music.
"If you're in a public place like Madison Square Garden or a theatre, you can play any music you want, and you can't be stopped," the Daily Beast quoted him as saying during a Twitter question and answer session.
"So, if you write a song and someone plays it in a restaurant that you go to, you can't stop them. They can play what they want."
However, US law could allow artists to request for their music not to be played at political campaign rallies but none have pursued legal action.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to news agency requests for comment.
Prince died in April 2016 at the age of 57 following an accidental overdose of painkillers. The singer did not have a will or any children and his siblings are now in charge of his estate.