Beastie Boys Sue Chili’s Parent Company for Copyright Infringement Over Unauthorized Use of Hit Song 'Sabotage'
The Beastie Boys have initiated legal action against Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s, alleging the unauthorized use of their 1994 hit “Sabotage” in a social media advertisement. Filed in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday, the lawsuit contends that Brinker International infringed on the group’s copyrights by using the song and replicating elements of its music video without obtaining the necessary permissions.
The legal dispute centers on an advertisement released by Chili’s in 2022, which the Beastie Boys claim borrowed heavily from their iconic “Sabotage” music video. The ad reportedly featured actors in 1970s-style wigs, fake mustaches, and sunglasses, mimicking the look and feel of the original video. This, according to the band, was a deliberate attempt to evoke their work and create an association with their brand, thereby misleading the public into thinking that they “sponsored, endorsed and are associated with” the restaurant chain.
The lawsuit emphasizes the Beastie Boys’ long-standing policy against licensing their music for commercial purposes. This policy was explicitly reinforced by the late Adam Yauch, who included a provision in his will prohibiting the use of his music and likeness in advertisements. The group’s legal representatives argue that Brinker International’s actions not only violated copyright laws but also misled consumers by implying an endorsement that was never given.
The Beastie Boys have a history of fiercely protecting their work, as shown by their legal disputes in previous years with Monster Energy and GoldieBlox over unauthorized use of their music in promotional content.
Despite their firm stance against commercial use, the Beastie Boys have allowed their music to be featured in specific artistic contexts, such as movie trailers and video game advertisements. These instances were considered exceptions because they promoted artistic works rather than commercial products.
The lawsuit seeks $150,000 in damages and are requesting that Brinker remove the infringing advertisements. They also aim to protect their intellectual property rights and prevent further unauthorized use by seeking a court order to prohibit Brinker from using their music in future promotions.
