Reuters reported yesterday that France's ruling UMP party has agreed to pay MGMT 30,000 Euros (or $39,050 US) for using the band's track "Kids" without permission during rallies and in online videos. Initially, the party had offered to pay MGMT "one euro in symbolic damages for copyright infringement," reported Reuters. The band rejected that offer as insulting.
MGMT posted a hilarious response to the settlement on its web site: "Normally MGMT steers clear of mixing music and politics, but the fact that the UMP used our song without permission while simultaneously pushing anti-piracy legislation seemed a little wack. We believe that access to music benefits both the musicians and the fans, and has undoubtedly helped spread our music around the globe, while also expanding our personal musical collections. We didn't want to be "typical Americans" and sue, despite the amazing monetary benefit and chinchilla coats and Navigators it would bring. Instead we're using the settlement fee the UMP presented and donating it to artists rights organizations. Thank you France for the wonderful food. C'est bon. MGMT"