Following the repeated unauthorized use of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” during two performances at the Republican National Convention, representatives from Leonard Cohen’s Estate and Sony ATV Music Publishing issued the following statements:
Statement from Michelle L. Rice, Legal Representative of the Cohen Estate:
“We are surprised and dismayed that the RNC would proceed knowing that the Cohen Estate had specifically declined the RNC’s use request, and their rather brazen attempt to politicize and exploit in such an egregious manner “Hallelujah”, one of the most important songs in the Cohen song catalogue. We are exploring our legal options.
Had the RNC requested another song, “You Want it Darker’, for which Leonard won a posthumous Grammy in 2017, we might have considered approval of that song."
Statement from Brian J. Monaco, President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, SONY/ATV Music Publishing:
“On the eve of the finale of the convention, representatives from the Republican National Committee contacted us regarding obtaining permission for a live performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. We declined their request.”
