The 2026 documentary about Melania Trump has become embroiled in controversy due to the use of music from the film Phantom Thread without proper authorization. Director Paul Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood have formally requested the removal of the score from the documentary, citing a breach of their contractual agreements and lack of consultation. The issue highlights a complex dispute between the filmmakers, music rights holders, and the documentary’s producers.
Details Behind the Music Usage Conflict
According to a joint statement given to Entertainment Weekly, a section of the Phantom Thread score was included in the Melania documentary without Greenwood’s approval. Although Universal Pictures holds the copyright to the score, Greenwood’s contract requires that he be consulted before the music is licensed to third parties. The omission of this step prompted Anderson and Greenwood to demand the score’s removal from the film.
“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary. While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on this third-party use which is a breach of his composer agreement. As a result Jonny and Paul Thomas Anderson have asked for it to be removed from the documentary.”
Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood have kept their comments focused exclusively on contractual matters regarding the music usage, deliberately avoiding any remarks on the documentary’s political perspectives or content.
Background on Phantom Thread and Its Creators
Phantom Thread, released in 2017, is a highly regarded collaboration between director Anderson and composer Greenwood. The film featured Daniel Day-Lewis in what was intended to be his final acting role before retiring, though he returned to the screen later. Earning six Academy Award nominations and winning Best Costume Design, the film’s understated and elegant score by Greenwood was widely acclaimed. Their partnership remains significant in contemporary cinema for blending artistic vision with musical sophistication.
Overview of the Melania Documentary and Its Reception
The documentary in question, directed by Brett Ratner, explores Melania Trump’s life in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign. Though the film had a strong box office opening, it has triggered debate regarding its financing, critical reception, and cultural implications. The music dispute now adds another layer of controversy to the documentary’s public perception.
Industry Response and Potential Outcomes
As of this writing, neither Universal Pictures nor Focus Features, the distributors involved with Phantom Thread, have issued official statements responding to the request for removal. The documentary’s producers have yet to confirm whether they will comply, nor has there been an indication of how swiftly changes might be made. Removing or replacing music after a film’s release requires technical coordination for theatrical, streaming, and physical distribution versions.
Anderson and Greenwood join a growing number of artists who have publicly objected to their work being associated with projects connected to the Trump family without their permission. Musicians and creators have increasingly pushed back against their art being used in political campaigns or related media without consent.
Implications for Artistic Control and Future Licensing
At the heart of this dispute lies a broader concern over respecting creative contracts and the rights of artists, even when rights are technically held by studios. Anderson and Greenwood’s firm stance underscores the importance of proper consultation before licensing works for external projects, emphasizing that legal copyright ownership does not negate ethical considerations for composers and creators.
Currently, the Melania documentary continues to screen with the Phantom Thread music included. Whether this dispute leads to a revised version of the film—especially for its upcoming streaming release on Prime Video—remains uncertain. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the entertainment industry regarding music licensing, artist rights, and the politics surrounding high-profile productions.
