Beastie Boys Sue Chili's Parent Company Over Unauthorized Use of "Sabotage"

The iconic hip-hop group Beastie Boys has filed a federal lawsuit against Brinker International, the parent company of the restaurant chain Chili's, for allegedly using their hit song "Sabotage" in a commercial without permission. The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims that not only was the song used without authorization, but the advertisement also mimicked scenes from the original music video, which debuted in 1994 and became a cultural phenomenon. "Sabotage" is one of the Beastie Boys' most recognized tracks, bolstered by a music video that parodied 1970s crime shows, featuring the band members in disguises. The video garnered significant acclaim, earning five MTV Video Music Award nominations and influencing various media, including the opening sequence of the film "Trainspotting." The song and its video played a crucial role in elevating the band's status in the music industry. The Beastie Boys, formed in 1981, released eight studio albums, with their last, "Hot Sauce Committee Part Two," coming out in 2011. Following the death of member Adam Yauch (MCA) in 2012, the group effectively disbanded. Yauch's will included a clause prohibiting the use of his name or music for advertising, which adds a layer of complexity to the current lawsuit. This is not the first instance of the Beastie Boys taking legal action over unauthorized music use; they previously won $1.7 million in damages for similar claims. Despite no longer producing new music, surviving members Ad-Rock and Mike D have continued to engage with fans through projects like their memoir and documentary, "Beastie Boys Story."