Los Angeles, CA – A modern controversy is swirling around the documentary Melania, focusing on the use of The Rolling Stones’ iconic song “Gimme Shelter.” Whereas the film’s producer, Marc Beckman, claimed that Mick Jagger personally approved the song’s inclusion, a source close to the legendary frontman has disputed that account. The disagreement highlights the challenges filmmakers face in securing rights to popular music, particularly when navigating the political sensitivities surrounding high-profile subjects.
The documentary, which examines the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, features “Gimme Shelter” during a scene at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Beckman, in an interview with Variety, stated that Jagger “was actually involved” and “gave his blessing” for the song’s use. However, a source with knowledge of Jagger’s position quickly countered that claim, suggesting Beckman was attempting to generate publicity for the film. This discrepancy has prompted a clarification from a spokesperson for The Rolling Stones, who confirmed to The Guardian that the band did not directly negotiate the licensing of the track with Beckman.
Licensing Through ABKCO
The Rolling Stones’ spokesperson explained that the agreement for “Gimme Shelter” was facilitated through ABKCO, the company that owns the rights to the band’s recordings made before 1971. This is a common practice in the music industry, where rights holders often manage licensing independently of the artists themselves. ABKCO, founded by Allen Klein, controls a vast catalog of music, including material by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Sam Cooke. The Guardian reported on this detail, clarifying the chain of authorization for the song’s use.
A Pattern of Rejections
The situation with “Gimme Shelter” isn’t isolated. Beckman revealed to Variety that several other prominent artists—including Guns N’ Roses, Grace Jones, and the estate of Prince—refused to license their music for the documentary. He attributed these rejections, at least in some cases, to political considerations. According to Beckman, members of Guns N’ Roses were divided on the issue, with one member approving the use of a song while another vehemently opposed it, ultimately blocking the deal. Similarly, he stated that Grace Jones declined to participate due to political reservations, and Prince’s estate explicitly stated that the artist would not want his music associated with Donald Trump.
This isn’t the first time The Rolling Stones have distanced themselves from political figures associated with Trump. The band has previously objected to the use of their music at Trump rallies, joining a growing list of artists—including Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Adele, and Neil Young—who have publicly opposed their songs being used to support the former president. This history underscores the band’s sensitivity to political alignment and their desire to protect their artistic integrity.
Controversy Surrounds Film’s Box Office Numbers
Beyond the music licensing disputes, Melania has faced scrutiny regarding its box office performance. The film opened at Number 29 in the UK, earning just under £33,000 during its opening weekend, as reported by NME. However, subsequent reports indicated a global gross of $9.5 million (£7 million) against a $40 million budget, plus an additional $35 million (£25.6 million) in marketing costs. These figures have been questioned, with The Daily Beast reporting accusations of “fake ticket sales” designed to inflate the film’s success.
Jonny Greenwood’s Protest and Brett Ratner’s Involvement
Adding another layer of complexity, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson requested that their music from the film Phantom Thread be removed from Melania. This request, however, was denied by the documentary’s producer, who insisted the music would remain in the film. The documentary is directed by Brett Ratner, whose past has been subject to scrutiny.
The use of music in politically charged documentaries often becomes a point of contention, as artists grapple with the potential implications of their work being associated with specific ideologies. The case of Melania exemplifies this challenge, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic freedom, commercial interests, and political convictions. The dispute over “Gimme Shelter” underscores the importance of clear communication and proper licensing procedures in navigating these complex issues.
As the film continues to generate discussion, the debate over its artistic merit and the circumstances surrounding its production is likely to persist. The Rolling Stones’ clarification, coupled with the revelations about other artists’ refusals, raises questions about the film’s overall narrative and the motivations behind its creation. The next development to watch will be any potential legal challenges to the film’s box office reporting, as the accusations of inflated ticket sales continue to circulate.
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