Rufus Wainwright slams Trump for playing ‘Hallelujah’ cover

On Monday night (Oct. 14), Donald Trump’s town hall turned into a bizarre listening party featuring songs from many artists who don’t support the presidential candidate. Today, Rufus Wainwright affirmed his support for Kamala Harris and released a statement expressing that he was “mortified” to hear Trump perform his version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

“Leonard Cohen’s song ‘Hallelujah’ has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and the acceptance of truth,” Wainwright said. “I have been extremely honored over the years to be associated with this ode to tolerance. Seeing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy.

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He continued: “Of course, I am in no way condoning this and I was mortified, but the good in me hopes that by actually inhabiting and listening to the words of Cohen’s masterpiece, Donald Trump might experience a hint of remorse for what he caused. I don’t hold my breath.

The press release containing the statement also states that the Cohen estate’s publishing company sent the Trump campaign a cease and desist letter. The late singer’s estate had previously considered legal action over the unauthorized use of “Hallelujah” during the 2020 Republican National Convention.

In addition to Wainwright’s cover of “Hallelujah,” Trump played Sinead O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” during the town hall — despite his estate demanding he stop using the song in March.