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Baauer is ‘taking action’ against FCC chairman for using Harlem Shake in net neutrality repeal video

Baauer is ‘taking action’ against FCC chairman for using Harlem Shake in net neutrality repeal video

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The DJ and producer will do ‘whatever I can to stop this loser’

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2016 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3
Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images for Coachella

Musician Harry Rodrigues, who produces and DJs under the name Baauer, is not okay with Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai using his song, “Harlem Shake,” in an anti-net neutrality video produced by The Daily Caller.

The corny video features Pai describing all of the benign activities you can still partake in after the repeal of open internet protection. The final skit features the chairman and others, including a prominent “Pizzagate” conspiracy theorist, dancing to “Harlem Shake” in an apparent attempt at earning internet cred by referencing an old meme from 2013. The FCC voted 3-2 today to repeal landmark net neutrality rules that two years ago reclassified telecom companies as common carriers under Title II designation.

In a statement from Baauer obtained by The Verge, the DJ says, “The use of my song in this video obviously comes as a surprise to me as it was just brought to my attention. I want to be clear that it was used completely without my consent or council. My team and I are currently exploring every single avenue available to get it taken down. I support net neutrality like the vast majority of this country and am appalled to be associated with its repeal in anyway.”

Baauer initially announced his intent to pursue possible legal action for the unauthorized use of his music on Twitter this morning, in which he wrote, “I'm taking action. Whatever I can do to stop this loser.” At the very least, Baauer could exercise any legal means necessary to penalize Pai for his use of a tired meme, or perhaps for dancing like this: