Attorneys for R&B artist Christian Berishaj, known as JMSN, have issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump White House, demanding the cessation of the use of his song "Love Me" in a recent political advertisement. The letter states the track, released in 2023, was utilized without the necessary synchronization or master use licenses.
In the letter sent to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Monday, JMSN's legal representatives asserted that permission to use the song was never sought nor would it have been granted. JMSN himself expressed his stance on social media, stating that he would "never authorize my music to be used for ANY political agenda or campaign." He further elaborated that he built his career independently and prioritizes artistic integrity, making the situation of being drawn into this unauthorized use "ridiculous."
The legal document, signed by Norm Eisen of Democracy Defenders Action and representatives from Ballard Spahr LLP, calls for the immediate withdrawal of the advertisement from all scheduled airings and requests that networks, stations, and streaming services be instructed to stop airing it. It also demands the removal of all online copies of the advertisement and any other content containing the song from platforms including Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
The lawyers have requested written confirmation by 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 2, that the government has ceased its infringing activities. They also seek a written accounting of all airings and postings of the advertisement, detailing the date, time, network, market, program, and total media spend. The use of the song risked creating a "false endorsement or association," suggesting a connection between JMSN and the administration.
JMSN is the latest artist to contest the unauthorized use of their music by the Trump administration.