Melania Producer Defends Use of Phantom Thread Music

Filmmaker says they have legal rights to use the copyrighted music in the documentary.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The producer of the documentary "Melania" has defended the film's use of music from the 2017 movie "Phantom Thread" after the film's director and composer complained that they did not approve the usage. Producer Marc Beckman said they have the legal rights to use the music and followed proper protocols, despite claims from "Phantom Thread" director Paul Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood that the use was unauthorized.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the challenges documentary filmmakers can face when using copyrighted material, even if they believe they have the proper licensing. It also shows the delicate balance between artistic expression and respecting the rights of other creators.

The details

Beckman told Breitbart News that "we have a legal right and permission to use every song and piece of music in the film" for the $40 million "Melania" documentary, which premiered at the Kennedy Center in January. However, Greenwood and Anderson said the use of the "Phantom Thread" music was a breach of Greenwood's composer agreement with Universal, and they have asked for it to be removed.

  • The "Melania" documentary premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington in January 2026.
  • The dispute over the use of "Phantom Thread" music arose in February 2026.

The players

Marc Beckman

The producer of the documentary "Melania" who is defending the use of the "Phantom Thread" music.

Paul Thomas Anderson

The director of the 2017 film "Phantom Thread", who has complained about the unauthorized use of music from his film in the "Melania" documentary.

Jonny Greenwood

The composer who created the music for "Phantom Thread", and who has also complained about the unauthorized use of his work in the "Melania" documentary.

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What they’re saying

“It's a blatant lie. We have a legal right and permission to use every song and piece of music in the film. We have the legal rights to use it. We've done everything the right way. We followed protocol. We respect artists. We compensated everyone for their music.”

— Marc Beckman, Producer, "Melania" documentary (Breitbart News)

“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the 'Melania' documentary. While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on this third-party use which is a breach of his composer agreement. As a result Jonny and Paul Thomas Anderson have asked for it to be removed from the documentary.”

— Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson (Variety)

What’s next

It is unclear if the producers of the "Melania" documentary will remove the disputed music as requested by Greenwood and Anderson.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex legal and creative issues that can arise when documentary filmmakers use copyrighted material without the full approval of the original creators. It underscores the need for clear communication and proper licensing agreements to avoid such conflicts.