The producer behind the high-stakes documentary Melania has fired back at claims of copyright infringement. Marc Beckman characterized allegations of unauthorized music use as “a blatant lie,” insisting that the production team followed every legal protocol to secure the film’s score.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Battle of “Phantom Thread”
The controversy erupted when Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead) and director Paul Thomas Anderson publicly demanded the removal of the track “Barbara Rose” from the documentary.
The disagreement isn’t just about money—it’s about contractual fine print:
- The Artists: Argue that while Universal owns the copyright, Greenwood’s contract requires the studio to consult him before licensing his work to third parties.
- The Producer: Claims the production holds “legally binding, fully executed contracts” and has paid all necessary fees to the rights holders.
Fast Facts: The Melania Documentary
| Category | Details |
| Release Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Director | Brett Ratner (marking his return to the industry) |
| Distribution | Amazon MGM Studios ($40M deal) |
| Subject | The 20-day countdown to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration |
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a Hollywood spat; it’s a major test case for creative control.
“We have the legal right to use every piece of music in this film,” Beckman stated, doubled down on the assertion that the paperwork is airtight regardless of the artists’ personal feelings.
