Rufus Wainwright has publicly condemned former President Donald J. Trump for using his cover of “Hallelujah” during a controversial rally in Oaks, Pennsylvania. At the event, the Republican presidential candidate abruptly shortened his speech and danced for thirty minutes as various songs played. Wainwright, a supporter of Trump’s Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, labeled the appropriation of the song as “the height of blasphemy.”
Wainwright explained that Leonard Cohen’s song “has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love, and acceptance of the truth.” He expressed his distress, stating, “I have been supremely honored to be associated with this ode to tolerance. Witnessing Trump and his supporters engaging with this music last night was mortifying. However, I hope that perhaps by truly listening to the lyrics of Cohen’s masterpiece, Trump might feel a glimmer of remorse for his actions. But I’m not holding my breath.”
The statement also mentioned that Leonard Cohen’s estate has dispatched a cease and desist letter to the Trump campaign. During the rally, amidst unusual circumstances, including heat-related incidents involving attendees, other songs played included a rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Memory” from the musical Cats.
