An ad for John McCain’s presidential campaign is using music taken from Medal of Honor: European Assault, and the track’s composer is not too pleased about it.
The background music heard in McCain’s Safe campaign ad features a track called “Casualties of War,” written by Christopher Lennertz for the World War 2-based FPS. McCain’s campaign did nothing illegal by using the music, according to an exclusive GamePolitics report, but Lennertz said he believes the campaign should check with content creators to ensure their views are “in sync.” He added that he is in fact supporting Barack Obama’s bid for the Presidency.
Lennertz, who said he has received many inquiries about the ad, issued a statement saying, “While I do not control the ownership of this piece, I am extremely disappointed [by] its placement in this commercial. I did not authorize the use and was not made aware of the situation. Regardless of party affiliation or support, I would like to think that someone who believes in the American ideals of business and creativity like Sen. McCain supposedly does, would not want to disgrace or inflict any hardship or ill-will on the artists who create in this country by using their works to promote products and agendas which with they disagree.”
“I respect John McCain for his service to this country, both in the military and in Washington, but I do not and have never supported his candidacy nor his agenda for this country,” the statement continued. “I am dismayed that my music has been used to promote his platform and even more disappointed that a candidate who claims to be the best voice for American entrepreneurs and business owners in this troubled economy so flagrantly ignored the most basic values and tenets of copyright and intellectual property.”
“As an artist, business owner and patriot, I proudly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States of America,” he said.
Lennertz’s full statement, as well as a copy of the McCain ad in question, can be seen on GamePolitics.
