Rolling Stones Refute Claims of Mick Jagger's Approval for Melania Trump Documentary
A source closely associated with Mick Jagger has publicly challenged assertions made by Marc Beckman, the producer behind the Melania Trump documentary, regarding Jagger's purported endorsement of using the Rolling Stones' iconic track 'Gimme Shelter' in the film. This rebuttal comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the use of music in projects linked to political figures.
Disputed Claims and Official Statements
In a recent interview with Variety, Beckman asserted that Mick Jagger was actively involved and had granted his blessing for the inclusion of 'Gimme Shelter' in the documentary, which chronicles Melania Trump's experiences in the twenty days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025. Beckman emphasized that the collaboration was non-political, describing it as a creative endeavor focused on Melania's personal journey.
However, speaking off the record, the source close to Jagger expressed skepticism, suggesting that Beckman's statements might be motivated by promotional efforts for the movie. Furthermore, an official spokesperson for the Rolling Stones confirmed to the Guardian that the band had no direct involvement in the licensing agreement. The deal was exclusively negotiated between the music rights holder, ABKCO, and the documentary's production team.
Broader Context of Music and Politics
This incident is not isolated, as the Rolling Stones have previously objected to the use of their music at Donald Trump's rallies, joining a long list of artists who have voiced similar concerns. Other notable musicians include Guns N' Roses, Grace Jones, the estate of Prince, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Queen, REM, Elton John, Abba, Jack White, Céline Dion, the Foo Fighters, and the estates of Isaac Hayes and Tom Petty.
Beckman revealed that attempts to secure music from Guns N' Roses, Grace Jones, and Prince were unsuccessful due to political objections. He noted that while some members of Guns N' Roses were open to the idea, unanimous consent was required and not achieved. Grace Jones reportedly declined over political reservations, and Prince's estate firmly vetoed the request, citing that the artist would never want his work associated with Donald Trump.
Additional Music Controversies and Film Performance
Beyond the Rolling Stones, the documentary features other tracks such as the Village People's 'YMCA' and Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean,' the latter being highlighted as Melania Trump's favorite song. However, a dispute arose over the use of a Jonny Greenwood composition from the 'Phantom Thread' soundtrack. Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson requested its removal due to insufficient notice from rights holder Universal, though Beckman indicated it would likely remain in the film indefinitely.
Financially, Amazon acquired the rights to 'Melania' for $40 million, investing an additional $35 million in marketing. The film debuted earlier this month, grossing approximately $16.4 million worldwide, with 98% of revenue originating from the United States. It opened with a stronger-than-expected $7 million in the U.S. but experienced a significant 67% drop in its second week. In the UK, it premiered at number 29 before plummeting 88% to number 62, with no current showtimes available.
Critics vs. Audience Reception
Beckman also addressed the stark contrast between critic reviews and audience ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes. He criticized critics for what he perceives as ideological bias, arguing that some reviews focused more on political commentary than on the film's content. This disparity highlights ongoing debates about media objectivity and the intersection of entertainment with political discourse.
Overall, the controversy underscores the complex dynamics between artistic expression, copyright issues, and political affiliations in today's cultural landscape.
