Rufus Wainwright Slams Trump Use Of ‘Hallelujah’ As “Blasphemy”; Leonard Cohen Estate Sends Campaign A Cease & Desist Letter

deadline.com:

Rufus Wainwright was not flattered that former president Donald Trump used his cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” during last night’s strange town hall turned listening party in Pennsylvania.

In fact, the singer called the candidate’s music choice “the height of blasphemy.” “The song ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth,” Wainwright said in a statement posted on Instagram. “I’ve been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance.

Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy. Of course, I in no way condone this and was mortified, but the good in me hopes that perhaps in inhabiting and really listening to the lyrics of Cohen’s masterpiece, Donald Trump just might experience a hint of remorse over what he’s caused.

I’m not holding my breath.” In a coda to the statement, Wainwright added on IG, “And needless to say: I am all in for Kamala!” Wainwright’s Instagram post also states, “The publishing company for the Leonard Cohen estate has sent the Trump campaign a cease and desist letter.” About 30 minutes into the town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, after two audience members apparently fainted and required medical attention, Trump halted the Q&A portion of the event and instead awkwardly stood and swayed for about 39 minutes as his rally playlist unspooled.