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Wainwright calls Trump91Ƶs use of 91ƵHallelujah91Ƶ cover the 91Ƶheight of blasphemy91Ƶ

Canadian singer 91Ƶhorrified91Ƶ to learn of former president91Ƶs use of his record during campaign event
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Musician Rufus Wainwright returns after speaking to broadcasters outside Christ Church Cathedral for the National Commemorative Ceremony in honour of Queen Elizabeth, in Ottawa, on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Wainwright says he was 91Ƶhorrified91Ƶ to learn that Donald Trump played his version of Leonard Cohen91Ƶs 91ƵHallelujah91Ƶ on Monday during his presidential campaign in Pennsylvania.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Rufus Wainwright says he was 91Ƶhorrified91Ƶ to learn that Donald Trump played his cover version of 91ƵHallelujah91Ƶ during a presidential campaign event in Pennsylvania on Monday.

The Canadian singer issued a statement saying Trump91Ƶs decision to use the Leonard Cohen classic was the 91Ƶheight of blasphemy.91Ƶ

Wainwright91Ƶs representatives noted that the publishing company for Cohen91Ƶs estate also sent a cease-and-desist order to Trump91Ƶs campaign.

91ƵHallelujah91Ƶ was one of many songs played during the former U.S. president91Ƶs town hall meeting in Oaks, near Philadelphia.

High temperatures in the room led to two medical emergencies and organizers paused the discussion for about half an hour of music.

Wainwright, a vocal supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, joins a long list of musicians who91Ƶve objected to Trump playing their music at his rallies.

Neither the Trump campaign nor Wainwright responded to requests for comment.

In August, Celine Dion issued a statement saying she never authorized Trump91Ƶs use of a video featuring her performing 91ƵMy Heart Will Go On91Ƶ during a gathering of his supporters while Beyoncé demanded his team pull down a video that used her song 91ƵFreedom,91Ƶ which she has authorized for the Harris campaign.

Wainwright had a close relationship with Cohen before his death in 2016. The musician and Cohen91Ƶs daughter Lorca had a child together via artificial insemination and raised their daughter jointly with Wainwright91Ƶs husband.

Wainwright described 91ƵHallelujah91Ƶ as 91Ƶan anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth.91Ƶ

91ƵI91Ƶve been supremely honoured over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance,91Ƶ he said in his statement.

91ƵWitnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy. Of course, I in no way condone this and was mortified, but the good in me hopes that perhaps in inhabiting and really listening to the lyrics of Cohen91Ƶs masterpiece, Donald Trump just might experience a hint of remorse over what he91Ƶs caused. I91Ƶm not holding my breath.91Ƶ





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