Vivek Ramaswamy told to stop rapping Eminem songs at campaign events

Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Reuters
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 29/08/2023

- 17:00

Updated: 29/08/2023

- 17:12

The anti-woke entrepreneur is challenging Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican Party nomination

Vivek Ramaswamy has been told to stop rapping Eminem songs at his campaign events.

Ramaswamy, 38, received a warning about potential legal action after delivering an impromptu rendition of Lose Yourself at the Iowa State Fair.


Marshall Mathers, known professionally as Eminem, sent a cease and desist letter to the anti-woke CEO’s campaign team last week via his music licenser BMI.

BMI said in a letter: “BMI has received a communication from Marshall B Mathers III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s music composition.”

Eminem during the 11th annual MTV Europe Awards 2004 at the Tor di Valle in Rome, Italy

Eminem during the 11th annual MTV Europe Awards 2004 at the Tor di Valle in Rome, Italy

PA

It also revoked the campaign’s licence to use Eminem’s music.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy’s campaign, told NBC: “To the American people's chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real slim shady.”

Ramaswamy also wrote on Twitter: “Will The REAL Slim Shady Please Stand Up? He didn’t just say what I think he did, did he?”

The 38-year-old launched an outsider bid for the Grand Old Party (GOP) 2024 nomination in late February.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy recently sat down with Nigel Farage on GB News

GB News

He is among more than a dozen candidates challenging former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary.

Ramaswamy emerged as the victor in the GOP’s first debate in Milwaukee on August 23.

Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, Mike Pence and Tim Scott also appeared on the debate stage.

An opinion poll by JL Partners revealed the Biotech entrepreneur narrowly edged out Florida’s Governor by one point.

Ron DeSantis at a recent public event

Ron DeSantis was edged out at the first Republican debate by Vivek Ramaswamy

Reuters

Former Vice President Mike Pence languished behind in a distant third on 13 per cent but was the only other GOP candidate to register double-digits.

Despite facing 91 criminal counts, Trump has established himself as the frontrunner to win the Republican Party nomination for a third successive election.

Trump is around 45 per cent ahead of his leading Republican rival DeSantis.

The 45th President snubbed an invitation to attend shortly after his fourth indictment and instead joined ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson for an interview which was released minutes before the official debate.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is facing more than 90 charges during the GOP primary race

Reuters

Trump, who can count on Ramaswamy as a supporter if he wins the nomination, also encountered issues with leading musicians over his campaign trail song choice.

The 77-year-old received cease and desist letters from Aerosmith, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Rolling Stones.

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