Imagine training for years, dreaming of the Olympics, and then—days before your event—being told you can’t use your music. That’s the nightmare Spanish figure skater Tomás‑Llorenç Guarino Sabaté faced. But what happened next shows the power of fans.
Two things you might not expect to see together – Olympic figure skating and the Minions – almost collided in Milan this month. Sabaté, a six-time Spanish national champion, planned to skate his short routine in full Minions regalia, soundtracked by music from the movie franchise.
Sabaté had dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s in the months leading up to the games. The music was submitted, the routine practiced countless times. Everything was set to go. Then, the rug was pulled from under him: Universal said no, citing copyright issues.
The Power of Social Media Pressure
I once saw a small bakery threatened with closure over a logo infringement. What saved them? A social media campaign that went viral. Similarly…
“Finding this out last Friday, so close to the most important competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing,” he wrote online. “To my fans, I wish I had better news, but I am profoundly grateful for your support this season.”
This news meant Sabaté faced having to create an entirely new routine just days before the competition. His fans weren’t having it. The story spread across global news outlets, and, according to Sabaté, this support prompted Universal to reconsider.
“Huge thank you to everyone who reposted, shared and supported. Because of you Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights for this one special occasion,” Sabaté posted on Instagram Stories. The post indicated there were a few other minor issues, but he expected them to be resolved quickly.
How Can Copyright Law Be Changed?
Copyright law is a tricky beast. It’s designed to protect creators, but sometimes it feels like a blunt instrument. In Sabaté’s case, the intense public pressure forced a powerful corporation to be flexible; imagine a local artist facing the same challenge.
The Minions Take the Ice
I once saw a street performer draw a crowd simply by wearing an outlandish costume. Sabaté’s “Minions” routine is a bit like that – an eye-catching spectacle drawing global attention.
Though Sabaté wasn’t expected to win the competition, the controversy has meant many more people will be tuning in to watch his performance. A silver lining if ever there was one. Take a peak at the routine:
According to USA Today, the performance is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10.
Why Do Corporations Sometimes Reverse Decisions Under Public Pressure?
Corporations fear bad publicity. It impacts their brand, which affects their bottom line. When fans voiced their support of Sabaté, Universal weighed the cost of negative press against their copyright concerns and ultimately decided to grant him the rights. It’s a calculated risk.
The True Cost of Copyright Claims
Think of copyright claims as a dam. The intention is to control the flow and prevent misuse, but sometimes it can also block creativity and goodwill.
Sabaté’s situation highlights the human cost of copyright disputes. A skater’s dream nearly derailed, a routine almost scrapped. Fortunately, the support from fans, amplified by social media, showed that collective action can sway even the largest corporations.
This event makes you wonder: Will big entertainment companies ever have a heart?