What's Happening?
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté, set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, has been granted permission to perform his Minion-themed routine after initially being denied due to copyright issues. Guarino Sabaté had been using the routine throughout the international skating season, donning blue overalls and a yellow T-shirt to embody the Minion character. The routine, which includes a step sequence set to EDM music, was initially blocked due to a lack of music clearance. This issue arose after a 2022 lawsuit involving American skaters Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, who were sued for using a song without proper clearance. The lawsuit led to a heightened awareness and requirement for music rights in figure skating. Guarino Sabaté's
case was resolved after public support and a reversal by Universal, the rights holder.
Why It's Important?
The resolution of Guarino Sabaté's case highlights the increasing complexity of music rights in figure skating, a sport where music is integral to performance. The incident underscores the impact of legal disputes on artistic expression in sports, as seen in the aftermath of the 2022 lawsuit that prompted stricter music clearance processes. This development could influence how skaters and choreographers approach music selection, potentially affecting the creative aspects of the sport. Additionally, the public and media attention surrounding Guarino Sabaté's routine may set a precedent for future cases, encouraging more transparent and streamlined processes for music rights in figure skating.
What's Next?
As the Olympics approach, Guarino Sabaté will continue to prepare for his performance, now with the assurance of music rights clearance. The International Skating Union and other governing bodies may review and possibly revise their music clearance processes to prevent similar issues in the future. Skaters and coaches might also become more proactive in securing music rights early in the season to avoid last-minute disruptions. The case may also prompt discussions within the figure skating community about balancing artistic freedom with legal compliance.
