Full Breakdown
Dispute Over Music Use in Melania Trump Documentary
2/13/2026, 4:22:05 AM
Overview of the Controversy
The documentary titled *Melania*, which chronicles the life of First Lady Melania Trump, has come under scrutiny due to allegations regarding the unauthorized use of music from the 2017 film *Phantom Thread*. Radiohead's lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson have publicly demanded the removal of a piece of Greenwood's score from the documentary, claiming that they were not consulted about its use, which they argue breaches Greenwood's composer agreement.
Key Figures Involved
- Jonny Greenwood: Lead guitarist of Radiohead and composer of the score for *Phantom Thread*.
- Paul Thomas Anderson: Director of *Phantom Thread* and collaborator with Greenwood on multiple projects.
- Marc Beckman: Producer of *Melania*, who has refuted the claims made by Greenwood and Anderson.
Core Event: Music Misuse Allegations
On February 6, 2026, Greenwood and Anderson issued a statement asserting that Universal Pictures, which holds the rights to *Phantom Thread*, failed to consult Greenwood regarding the use of his music in *Melania*. They described this as a breach of his composer agreement and requested the removal of the track "Barbara Rose," which was prominently featured in the documentary. Beckman responded by asserting that the production had secured all necessary rights and that they had followed proper protocols in acquiring the music.
Financial Context and Reception
The *Melania* documentary has faced significant financial challenges, reportedly costing $75 million, including $40 million for rights acquisition and $35 million for marketing. Despite its high budget, the film has struggled at the box office, earning only $13.35 million domestically after two weeks of release. Critics have largely panned the film, giving it an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience reactions have been more favorable, with a 99% approval rating from viewers.
Criticism & Opposition
The controversy surrounding the documentary has intensified due to its political subject matter and the involvement of Brett Ratner, the film's director, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Critics argue that the unauthorized use of Greenwood's music raises serious questions about artistic integrity and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in securing rights for creative works.
Official Statements & Responses
Marc Beckman stated, “We have legally binding, fully executed contracts in place to use every song in *Melania*,” emphasizing that they respect artists and have compensated them accordingly. In contrast, Greenwood and Anderson's statement highlighted their concerns about the breach of contract and the lack of consultation, framing the issue as one of artistic integrity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Beckman insists that all necessary permissions were obtained for the music used in *Melania*, Greenwood and Anderson maintain that they were not consulted, leading to a significant discrepancy regarding the legality of the music's use. As of now, it remains unclear whether any changes will be made to the documentary's soundtrack or if further legal action will be pursued.
What's Next
The situation continues to evolve as both sides navigate the dispute. The potential for legal ramifications looms, particularly for Universal Pictures, which may face scrutiny over its handling of music rights. The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for future collaborations between filmmakers and composers regarding music licensing and consultation practices.
