Expelled uses John Lennon’s “Imagine,” doesn't say please :: Culture News :: Articles

The filmmakers of the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed have apparently used John Lennon’s “Imagine” without consent. Ben Stein spearheaded the film, which hits select theaters today.

In an article from the Wall Street Journal, Yoko Ono’s lawyer said, “It was not licensed. We are exploring all options.” Any legal resolutions are unknown at press time.

The filmmakers confirmed that they did use the track without permission, but they insist that their legal counsel told them it was fair use protected under the First Amendment due to the fact that they only used 25 seconds of it.

When the initial trailer of the film debuted with “Imagine” playing along to a montage of thematically ominous images, reportedly bloggers united against Yoko. James Boyce wrote on his blog, “I guess that the $20 million plus the estate earns every year isn't enough for Yoko Ono; not only does she feel the need to license the song out, she probably held out for the highest bidder.”

Boyce recently posted a retraction of his rant. Questions are also floating around about the legitimacy of the use of the Killers’ “All These Things I’ve Done.”

Thanks to The Playlist for the tip!

Below: the extended trailer for Expelled: