Chili’s Trouble

The fame of Sabotage Beastie Boys famous band are locked in a legal battle with Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s restaurants, over the unauthorized use of their iconic song “Sabotage” in advertisements. The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, claims that Brinker used the song and referenced its music video without permission in social media ads promoting Chili’s.

In Sabotage Beastie Boys Sue Chili’s

The suit alleges that starting around November 2022, Brinker International facilitated the creation of social media videos featuring the song “Sabotage” and mimicking its famous Spike Jonze-directed music video.

Additionally, in these ads, three characters dressed in 1970s-style outfits, reminiscent of the music video’s fictional police show theme, were shown “robbing” ingredients from a Chili’s restaurant. Consequently, this clear homage to the Beastie Boys’ video is at the heart of the legal dispute.

Beastie Boys’ Stance on Commercial Use

The Beastie Boys have always been protective of their music, particularly when it comes to advertising. Consequently, they famously avoid licensing their tracks for product promotions. This stance is strongly reinforced by the will of the late Adam “MCA” Yauch, which explicitly prohibits the use of his image, music, and any art he created in advertisements.

The group’s attorneys argue that the use of “Sabotage” was without permission. Furthermore, Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA did not authorize the video impersonations. This action violates federal trademark laws and misleads consumers into believing the band endorsed Chili’s.

Legal Precedents and Protective Measures

This isn’t the first time the Beastie Boys have taken legal action to protect their work. In 2013, they sued GoldieBlox, a toy company, for using a parody of their song “Girls” in a commercial, which resulted in a settlement.

In 2015, they won a $1.7 million verdict against Monster Energy. The case involved using several of their songs in a promotional video. However, they have allowed their music in certain contexts. This includes, the trailer for “Star Trek Beyond” and an ad for “Destiny 2”. These promoted artistic works, not commercial products.

Seeking Damages for Sabotage Beastie Boys

In the current lawsuit, the Beastie Boys are seeking a permanent injunction. Specifically, they want to stop Brinker from using their music. Moreover, they are seeking $150,000 for each copyright violation. Additionally, they want attorney fees and triple the profits from false representations.

Furthermore, they argue that Brinker acted with willful disregard for the harm caused to the band, emphasizing the unauthorized use and the misleading nature of the ads.

Impact on the Beastie Boys’ Legacy

The ongoing legal battle shows how dedicated the Beastie Boys are. They want to maintain control over their artistic legacy and music usage.

Moreover, “Sabotage,” released in 1994, was the lead single from their fourth album, “Ill Communication.” It remains one of their most celebrated tracks, continuously referenced in pop culture.

Furthermore, the group rigorously defends their work to ensure their music aligns with their values and artistic integrity.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Brinker International for the unauthorized use of “Sabotage” underscores the Beastie Boys’ dedication to protecting their music and image from commercial exploitation.

Furthermore, as the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ rights and the potential consequences of disregarding those rights.

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