Canadian singer Celine Dion on Saturday criticised former US President Donald Trump after he used her song “My Heart Will Go On” from the 1997 film ‘Titanic’ without her consent or support at his re-election campaign event in Montana.
Celine Dion, 56, issued a strong statement after the Republican candidate played a video of the hit song about the sinking Titanic as a musical interlude at his recent rally. A statement on her X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts said, “Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., have become aware of the unauthorized use of the video, recording, musical performance and image of My Heart Will Go On sung by Celine Dion at the Donald Trump/J.D. Vance campaign rally in Montana.”
Today, Celine 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 likeness of “My Heart Will Go On” sung by Celine Dion in the Donald Trump/J.D. Vance campaign. pic.twitter.com/28CYLFvgER
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 10, 2024
It added, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use…. And really, that song?”
The post has garnered several reactions on social media since it was shared.
One user said, “Yes they used ‘that song’.”
Another added, “I hope she sues Trump and the RNC. But I must say, the Trump campaign using the Titanic theme song is very fitting for this sinking political campaign.”
One person commented, “This last line is so symbolic!!”
“One wonders why it’s so hard for Trump and his campaign to follow the rules/guidelines? Thanks for addressing this unauthorized use,” a fourth added.
One Instagram user said, “For me this is perfect for Tumptanic!”
Another person wrote, “This is too bad for her – it would be a positive thing. Sadly she doesn’t see it that way. I’ve been a fan of hers for 30 years, but I have to respectfully disagree with her political beliefs.”
Notably, the song about a ship sinking in 1912 is more about love, grief, and perseverance. The song was written by James Horner and features lyrics by Will Jennings. It won four Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, as well as an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
In the middle of the song at his rally in Bozeman, Montana, Trump attacked Vice President Kamala Harris, who is closing the gap with him in the polls. Meanwhile, Ms Harris is playing Beyoncé’s song “Freedom”, which the pop star gave the vice president permission to use.
