Don Henley Sues Over Political Parodies

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - TMZ reports that Eagles frontman Don Henley is suing a Republican Senate candidate in California for copyright infringement for creating online videos that parody two of Henley's songs, "The Boys of Summer" and "All She Wants to Do Is Dance." State Assembleyman Charles DeVore says the parodies are protected under the First Amendment.

DeVore's parody lyrics attack President Barack Obama and California Senator Barbara Boxer. YouTube initially removed the videos from their site at Henley's request, then added them back at DeVore's and told Henley they would only take them down again if he filed a lawsuit. DeVore also posted the videos on Facebook and other sites.

Part of the lawsuit says, "Henley and ["Boys of Summer" co-writer Mike] Campbell did not, and would not, authorize the use of their song for this purpose," the Contra Costa Times reports . "Viewers might also conclude that Henley and Campbell are political supporters of DeVore, which they are not."

According to CNet , DeVore plans to respond with a counter-claim "asserting our First Amendment right to political free speech." On his Web site, Devore wrote , "That Henley has contributed some $750,000 to Democrats and liberal causes over the years, including $10,000 to Barack Obama and $9,000 to Sen. Barbara Boxer, adds authenticity to the political nature of my ditties. .... Henley’s lawsuit shows he’s good at dishing it out, but not so good at taking it."