April 28, 2000
Publication title: Canadian Press NewsWire, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Toronto
Writer: Unknown
McLachlan and record label demand song be removed from Columbine video
VANCOUVER (CP) – Singer Sarah McLachlan and her record company demanded Thursday that her hit song I Will Remember You be removed from a “exploitative” video of the Columbine high school massacre.
“When I heard that someone was selling the tapes of the shootings for public consumption, I was horrified,” the Canadian star said in a statement released from her West Vancouver home Thursday.
“The thought of adding music (any music) to these images for whatever reason is sick and the idea of profiting from selling someone else’s tragedy is pitiful and cruel.”
To the shock and outrage of the families Columbine high school massacre victims, Jefferson County, Colo., authorities released the three-hour long video Wednesday. The public could buy copies for $25 US each.
The tape, initially produced as a training video, showed gruesome scenes from last April’s shooting rampage by two students that left 12 students and one teacher dead. The two killers then committed suicide.
“Sarah McLachlan and Nettwerk Records were never approached about the use of her music or image in the video prior to or after its release by the Jefferson County Attorney’s office,” said a statement by Nettwerk, McLachlan’s Vancouver-based record and publishing company.
Lawyers from McLachlan’s American label, Arista Records, contacted the Jefferson County authorities demanding the song be taken out because of the copyright violation.
“Neither Sarah McLachlan nor Arista Records were ever approached for the usage of her music or image within the video being released,” the Arista statement said.
“In fact we are demanding that her song I Will Remember You be removed from this exploitative video tape.”
“The kids and families of Columbine have been through more than most of us can bear,” McLachlan said.
“They deserve our deepest compassion and hope that they might someday find some peace and joy again in their lives. This is my wish.”
Widely criticized for releasing the graphic tape, the Jefferson County attorney said Thursday officials did not want to make it public but had no choice after a judge’s order.
Frank Hutfless said the decision was prompted by threats of legal action and reports that the tape had been given to a television network.
Hutfless also defended the musical soundtrack and the $25 cost of the tape.
He said the fee covers the county’s costs and the music had to be included because it was on the videotape viewed by the judge.
Hutfless said in a statement he and Sheriff John Stone fought the release because it “was not in the best interest of the victims or the community.”
But he said officials were told the tape had already been given to the media, and a judge had ruled there was “no compelling public interest” to withhold it under the Colorado Open Records Act.
Jefferson County sold all 107 copies it had by noon Thursday, spokeswoman Michelle Frongillo said. Nearly 400 more copies have been ordered.
