The Rolling Stones have publicly denied claims that they authorized the use of their iconic song "Gimme Shelter" in the documentary titled "Melania," which focuses on Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States. According to a report by Variety, a source close to Mick Jagger explained that he was not involved in the decision to license the song for the film. This contradicts earlier statements made by producer Marc Beckman, who claimed that Jagger was directly involved in the licensing process and had given his blessing for the song's use.

An official representative of the Rolling Stones clarified to The Guardian that the licensing agreement was exclusively established between ABKCO Music, which holds the rights to the band's recordings prior to 1971, and the documentary's producers. This situation underscores the complexities associated with music licensing, particularly when high-profile films attempt to feature well-known songs. The band’s representative emphasized the absence of any direct participation from the group in this licensing decision, thereby highlighting the distinction between the band's public persona and the legalities of music rights management.

The controversy surrounding the use of “Gimme Shelter,” not only raises questions about the authenticity of the documentary’s production claims but also emphasizes the precarious nature of licensing music for film, where agreements can often become points of contention. The Rolling Stones, one of the most commercially successful and influential rock bands in history, often have their works licensed, yet this case serves as a reminder of the legal mechanisms behind protecting their artistic output from misrepresentation in media.