Beastie Boys Sue Brinker Over Unauthorized Use of 'Sabotage' in Chili's Ads

The Beastie Boys have sued Brinker International, claiming the company used their 1994 song 'Sabotage' without permission in social media ads for Chili's. The group alleges the ads falsely imply their endorsement and seeks at least $150,000 in damages. The lawsuit highlights similar past legal victories by the band.

The Beastie Boys have filed a lawsuit against Brinker International in New York federal court, alleging unauthorized use of their 1994 hit song 'Sabotage' to promote the Chili's restaurant chain.

In the complaint, filed on Wednesday, the iconic rap group claims Brinker used 'Sabotage' in Chili's social-media ads, wrongly suggesting the Beastie Boys endorsed the chain. Representatives for both the band and Brinker did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

Formed in 1981, the Beastie Boys dissolved in 2012 following the death of founding member Adam 'MCA' Yauch. Their song 'Sabotage' gained fame for its music video, a spoof of 1970s TV police dramas. The lawsuit notes Brinker's social media ads featured scenes mimicking the 'Sabotage' video without consent.

The complaint states the band does not license their music for product advertising, highlighted by Adam Yauch's will forbidding such use. The Beastie Boys accuse Brinker of copyright and trademark violations, seeking at least $150,000 in damages and an injunction to stop Brinker from using their music.

In a similar case, the group won a $1.7 million verdict against Monster Beverage Corp. in 2014 for using their music without permission.

(With inputs from agencies.)