Rufus Wainwright says Trump using Hallelujah cover is the ‘Height of Blasphemy’

Actor Rufus Wainwright is certainly not happy with Donald Trump.
In a statement posted to X, formally Twitter, on Tuesday, the 51-year-old Canadian singer and songwriter denounced the Republican presidential nominee’s use of his song, Hallelujah, all while expressing his support for Kamala Harris.
“Last night (October 14), at a Donald Trump town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, that NPR characterized as going ‘from a Q-and-A session to a bizarre musical event in which Trump stood in front of his audience for an extended period while songs played on the sound system,’ numerous songs were played,” Rufus began.
“The song ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth. I’ve been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance,” his tweet went on, referring to his cover of the 1984 classic.
Rufas then blasted: “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,” he continued, before pointing out: “I’m not holding my breath.”
As a result, the composer added that the Trump campaign had been issued a cease and desist letter on behalf of the publishing company for Leonard Cohen’s estate.
Rufas rounded off his rant by supporting Trump’s rival, asserting: “And needless to say: I am all in for Kamala!”
As Rufus rightly pointed out, Trump made headlines for what many called “bizarre” behavior at his Oaks, Pennsylvania, town hall event earlier this week.
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The evening quickly took an odd turn after two rallygoers had to seek medical attention.
Rather than continue as the paramedics assisted the two people, Trump instructed his staff to play music from a playlist he had personally curated.
Although the whole point of the event was to allow people to ask the former President questions, Trump bellowed: “Who the hell wants to hear questions? Right?”
What followed was more than 30 minutes of Trump swaying on stage and bopping his head on stage to some of his favorite songs.
Apart from Rufust’s cover of Hallelujah, Trump played Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U, Oliver Anthony’s Rich Men North of Richmond, Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain, James Brown’s It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, Elvis’ An American Trilogy, the Village People’s Y.M.C.A. and Andrea Bocelli’s Time to Say Goodbye.