Amber Glenn Resolves Copyright Dispute at Milan Cortina Olympics
Amber Glenn, a talented U.S. figure skater, recently resolved a copyright issue regarding her music for the free skate segment at the Milan Cortina Olympics. This situation arose after Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, known as CLANN, expressed surprise on social media about the use of his song, “The Return,” in Glenn’s performance.
Copyright Dispute Resolved
After Glenn’s performance concluded the team event, McKinnon took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment. He was taken aback that his music was used without prior permission. In his post, he questioned if it was typical for Olympic athletes to utilize music without securing copyright permissions.
Glenn addressed the copyright issue, stating, “The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing.” She expressed relief over the resolution with McKinnon and hinted at a potential collaboration in the future.
Understanding Copyright in Figure Skating
Music rights have become a complicated aspect of figure skating, especially after the International Skating Union (ISU) relaxed its regulations in 2014. This change allowed athletes to select more contemporary music that better reflects their personal style. However, it has also led to increased claims from artists seeking compensation.
- McKinnon was not attempting to cause controversy, clarifying that he aimed to uphold artist rights.
- Glenn, who has skated to “The Return” for two years, was surprised by the sudden attention.
Challenges Faced by Other Olympians
Glenn is not the only skater to encounter copyright issues at the Olympics. Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate worked tirelessly to secure permission for his music from the film “Minions.” Similarly, Russian skater Petr Gumennik had to switch programs shortly before his competition due to a lack of rights clearance.
Impact on Athletes
Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion, has become a focal point of discussions, not only for her skating but also for her outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights. Following a press conference, she received threats, highlighting the challenges she faces beyond the ice.
Despite these hurdles, Glenn celebrated her team’s gold medal victory and prepared for her next competition, scheduled for February 17. She hopes to inspire new fans for both figure skating and the artists involved in the sport.
As the Olympic Games progress, the relationship between skaters and music copyright continues to evolve, reflecting broader trends in the art and sports industries.
