The estate of Prince declined to license one of the late artist’s songs for the new documentary Melania, the film’s producer said. Marc Beckman told reporters the estate’s lawyer blocked the request.
Producer: ‘He would never want his song associated with Donald Trump’
Beckman said the estate intervened at the last minute. He told the publication that its lawyer said, “Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump.”
The producer argued the movie centers on Melania Trump, not the former president. “It’s not a Donald Trump film!” he said. “He comes into the movie once in a while, but this is all about Melania. It’s not political.”
Beckman also said several artists refused to permit their work for political reasons. He named bands and performers he said declined to be included. The producer told the trade that music clearances became a recurring hurdle.
The producer’s comments followed publication of an interview in which he defended the film’s creative choices. He said some refusals surprised him. Beckman blamed politics rather than artistic objections.
Legacy of control over Prince’s catalog
The Prince estate has a history of tightly managing the musician’s work. In 2025, the estate halted release of a separate documentary. That decision underscored the estate’s caution with posthumous projects.
The producer’s account has drawn attention from music and film outlets. Coverage noted other licensing controversies involving the film. Some sources questioned whether artists were fully consulted before public statements.
Representatives for the Prince estate did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The film’s distributor said it obtained permission for multiple tracks. It declined to discuss negotiations.
Legal experts say music rights often hinge on estate control. They add that estates may refuse uses that they consider harmful to the artist’s legacy. Rights holders can block even completed films from using particular tracks.
Beckman said the film aimed to be apolitical. He expressed disappointment that some music owners disagreed. “It’s so ridiculous,” he said about the decision to block the Prince song.