French musician Woodkid, known for his celebrated track “Run Boy Run,” has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump for the unauthorized use of his song at a recent rally. The incident, which occurred ahead of the upcoming presidential election, has stirred significant controversy due to the song’s deep connection with the LGBTQ+ community.
Woodkid, born Yoann Lemoine, is an openly LGBTQ+ artist, and “Run Boy Run” is a powerful anthem celebrating his identity and sexuality. The use of this track at a Republican National Conference in Milwaukee, a venue often associated with conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues, has sparked outrage. Prominent Republican figures, including Senator Ron Johnson and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, made statements that highlighted this ideological clash. Johnson criticized the Democratic Party’s support for transgender athletes, while Greene criticized Transgender Visibility Day for coinciding with Easter Sunday.
This incident isn’t an isolated case. Trump has previously used “Run Boy Run” in a campaign video without Woodkid’s permission. Expressing his frustration, Woodkid emphasized the irony of the situation, stating, “Run Boy Run is an LGBTQ+ anthem written by me, a proud LGBTQ+ musician. How ironic.” He has called on Universal Music France to take action against this unauthorized use.
The Grammy-nominated track has enjoyed extensive recognition, featuring in high-profile advertising campaigns and popular TV shows such as Doctor Who, Being Human, and The Umbrella Academy. This widespread exposure contrasts sharply with the political misuse that Woodkid opposes.
This controversy reflects a broader pattern of unauthorized use of music by Trump’s campaign. In March, the estate of the late Sinéad O’Connor demanded that Trump stop using her iconic song “Nothing Compares 2 U” at rallies. The estate and Chrysalis Records criticized the use of the song, emphasizing O’Connor’s commitment to principles of honesty and fairness, which they felt were violated by the song’s political context.
Other notable musicians have similarly condemned Trump’s use of their music. Rock legends such as Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, and Guns N’ Roses have all issued statements opposing the unauthorized use of their work. In January, Johnny Marr of The Smiths also voiced his outrage when Trump played “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” at an event in New Hampshire, demanding an immediate halt to its use.
This ongoing controversy highlights the tension between artistic integrity and political exploitation, as artists like Woodkid and others continue to fight against the unauthorized use of their music in political arenas.
