A spokesperson for the Rolling Stones has contradicted a claim by the producer of the Melania Trump documentary that Mick Jagger gave his blessing for the use of the band's song 'Gimme Shelter' in the film. The producer, Marc Beckman, had told Variety that Jagger was 'involved' and 'gave us his blessing', but a source close to Jagger expressed scepticism, and the band's spokesperson confirmed that the licensing deal was made solely between rights holder ABKCO and the film's producers, without the band's involvement.
The documentary, which follows Melania Trump in the 20 days before Donald Trump's second inauguration, opens with a sequence set to 'Gimme Shelter'. Beckman claimed the Rolling Stones were able to 'get over the hurdle' of politics, viewing the film as non-political. However, the Rolling Stones are among many artists who have previously objected to the use of their music at Trump rallies, including Guns N' Roses, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen.
Beckman also revealed that Guns N' Roses, Grace Jones, and the estate of Prince were approached for music but refused on political grounds. The Prince estate's lawyer vetoed the request, stating 'Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump'. Beckman argued the film is not political, but the refusals highlight ongoing tensions between artists and the Trump family.
The film also features 'YMCA' by Village People, a staple at Trump rallies, and 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson. A dispute arose over a song from Jonny Greenwood's 'Phantom Thread' soundtrack; Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson requested its removal, but Beckman said the music will remain in the film.
Amazon paid $40 million for the rights to the documentary and spent $35 million on marketing. It has grossed approximately $16.4 million worldwide, with 98% from the US. In the UK, it opened at No. 29 and saw an 88% drop in its second week, with no current showtimes available.
