Beastie Boys Sue Chili’s Over Unauthorized Use of ‘Sabotage’

Beastie Boys are accusing Chili’s of committing the ultimate party foul on their legacy by using one of their songs without permission. The song in question is none other than their classic hit “Sabotage.”

According to court documents obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, surviving Beastie Boys members Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, and the late Adam “MCA” Yauch’s widow, are taking legal action against Brinker, the parent company of Chili’s. They accuse Brinker of using the band’s iconic 1994 music video for a commercial without permission.

The lawsuit claims that Chili’s ran an ad on social media in November 2022. This ad synchronized the famous track “Sabotage,” styling the visuals after the Spike Jonze-directed video. In the ad, three characters wore the same conspicuous ’70s-style disguises as the Beastie Boys, and humorously robbed a Chili’s restaurant of its secret ingredients.

The band has stated clearly that they don’t license “Sabotage” or any of their songs to third-party advertisers. They assert that MCA, who passed away in 2012, had a provision in his will prohibiting such uses of their music.

The Beastie Boys estate is demanding substantial damages and is seeking a court order to compel Brinker to take down the Chili’s ad.