Billy Graham's Image Used in Political Ads: Controversy Erupts!
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A political firestorm erupted after a group called "Evangelicals for America" (formerly "Evangelicals for Harris") utilized footage of the late Rev. Billy Graham in political advertisements supporting Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. The group has since issued a public apology after facing criticism and potential legal action.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) objected to the use of Graham's image, claiming copyright infringement. BGEA argued that the group did not obtain permission to use the video clips for political purposes, violating copyright laws.
The Controversy
The ads juxtaposed Graham's sermons with statements made by Donald Trump, highlighting perceived differences in their values. One ad, for example, contrasted Graham's condemnation of greed with Trump's admission of being "greedy, greedy, greedy."
Evangelicals for America's Response
Evangelicals for America initially defended their use of the footage under the Fair Use doctrine of the Copyright Act. However, after receiving legal threats from the BGEA, the group removed the ads and issued an apology.
- The group acknowledged it did not obtain prior permission from the BGEA.
- It stated that its intent was not to infringe on BGEA's copyright or imply that Graham would have supported a particular candidate.
Franklin Graham's Reaction
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the BGEA and Billy Graham's son, publicly criticized the use of his father's image. He accused the group of trying to mislead people and using his father's image to promote Harris.
This incident highlights the complexities of using a public figure's image in political campaigns, especially when dealing with religious leaders and their legacies. The case also underscores the importance of obtaining proper permissions and respecting copyright laws.