Baauer's "Harlem Shake" may have obliterated the internet in 2012, but now the producer is taking on the FCC for using it in a (very dumb) net neutrality repeal video without permission.
The creator of the viral track, which became a 2013 meme thanks to thousands of dancing challenge YouTube videos, has vowed revenge on the FCC and its chairman Ajit Pai.
"Harlem Shake" was used by Pai and conservative outlet The Daily Caller in a video entitled "7 Things You Can Still Do on the Internet After Net Neutrality," released after the Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to repeal protections for net neutrality.
In the video, Pai dances to the "Harlem Shake," beside Martina Markota, known for spreading the thoroughly debunked Pizzagate conspiracy theory.
After being alerted to the potential copyright violation by his friend, star producer Diplo, Baauer tweeted, "I'm taking action. Whatever I can do to stop this loser."
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Baauer told Billboard Dance the track was used without permission, and that he plans to take legal action against Pai and the FCC.
"The use of my song in this video obviously comes as a surprise to me as it was just brought to my attention," he said in a statement. "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."
Who knew? The "Harlem Shake" creator has become an unlikely hero in the face of impeding internet doom.
Topics FCC Music Net Neutrality
