The #UNameItChallenge was taking social media by storm for the month of November, especially since Thanksgiving was around the corner. The challenge started from a remix of lyrics Pastor Shirley Caesar said in her song “Hold My Mule.“
The song was so popular that even Chris Brown did his own version of it. Now, it was stated that Pastor Caesar filed a lawsuit against DJ Suede over the #UNameItChallenge, being as he is the one who is credited as remixing her song.
Well, Pastor Caesar took to Facebook to clarify what she and her team actually did. They did not file a lawsuit, but they requested a court order to have DJ Suede take his music video of the song (using Pastor Caesar’s voice) off of YouTube due to the images in the video, and to stop selling the song because he did not have permission. She wants to protect her name, brand, and legacy. The Court Ordered the Disturbing Video Be Removed and Just Hours Ago YouTube Removed The Video.
“NO LAWSUIT: Hello Family, I just got a call from someone asking me about a lawsuit; please be clear, there has been no lawsuit filed. I asked my attorney to issue a statement and this is all we will say on it at this time:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
ON BEHALF OF
DR. SHIRLEY CAESAR…
Pastor Shirley Caesar has been totally surprised by the response to her old “Hold My Mule” song remixed. She eventually appreciated the fun many had in creating and sharing videos under the #UNameItChallenge with her remixed song. In fact, she has raised money for charity via UnameitShirley.com in support of the viral challenge. In addition, she will be giving out toys and food for thousands of people with our Toys For Tots program after church next Sunday and all are invited to come and support. If you cannot come, stop by our website and get a free mug and support a family or two.
Unfortunately, similar to you, we as a team, were laughing and enjoying the video challenge, until we recently discovered that DJ Suede, Empire Records and another party, took the original popular song and phrase and illegally released a different record on I-Tunes without our written permission. They even did a video highlighting alcohol and negative imagery- and sold many downloads. We asked them repeatedly to remove these negative materials as we never saw the video or heard the song prior to them selling it –and, it was not a parody, but the song was created commercially for sale and profits. When they refused to remove the commercial song from the Internet and the video, to protect Pastor’s legacy and what Shirley Caesar stands for, we had to take legal action, secure a temporary injunction and order DJ Suede to remove the video, as well as cease and desist sales. We want to make it clear Pastor Caesar does not endorse the imagery, misogyny and abuse of alcohol endorsed in the video by having her voice everywhere on the track. Please also note, we have not filed any lawsuits or sued anyone even though it is my right. But, it is our hope and prayer that DJ Suede and Empire will do the right thing, and respect Pastor Caesar’s legacy, image and name and follow the Court injunction ordering them to remove this video and the I-Tunes song, a clear violation of copyright and trademark laws.
We look forward to the good work that will come of the #UNameitChallenge and want people to continue enjoying the song for the holidays and years to come. Remember, No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper!!!
Enjoy your Christmas and continue to serve others.
God Bless & Thank You All & Please Post and Share This Statement!James L. Walker, Jr., Esq.
Counsel For Pastor Shirley Caesar
@jameslwalkeresq
(404)-574-4308 (Media Inquiries, Etc.)”
“THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and support. Again, we enjoy the fun videos, but we do not want any videos laced with liquor or compromising our legacy, mission and Faith. I pray everyone can understand that request. #LoveYouAll #TeamShirley”
Pastor Caesar is using the challenge to raise money for Haiti Foundations & St. Jude’s.
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