Rihanna issues cease-and-desist warning to Donald Trump for playing her music at 'tragic' rallies

Rihanna has issued a cease-and-desist letter ordering Donald Trump to stop playing her music at his rallies.

The pop star had been alerted that the US president had played her 2007 hit “Don't Stop The Music” at an event in Tennessee on Sunday.

Rihanna called Mr Trump's rallies "tragic" and said he would not be using her music "for much longer".

And on Tuesday, her legal team sent an official letter to the White House.

The document states: "It has come to our attention that President Trump has utilised (Rihanna's) musical compositions and master recordings, including her hit track Don't Stop The Music, in connection with a number of political events held across the United States."

It then referenced Rihanna's surname, Fenty, and said she didn’t give Mr Trump permission to use her music.

It added: "Such use is therefore improper. Trump's unauthorised use of Ms Fenty's music creates a false impression that Ms Fenty is affiliated with, connected to or otherwise associated with Trump."

Ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections in the US, Rihanna endorsed Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for the governor of Florida. told her 66 million Instagram followers they could "make history" in the election.

Rihanna is the latest celebrity to object to Mr Trump using their music.

Last week, rapper and producer Pharrell Williams issued a cease-and-desist notice after the president played his song “Happy” hours after a mass shooting at a synagogue.

Last month, Prince's estate warned Mr Trump about playing the late pop star's hit “Purple Rain” at his rallies.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler filed a cease-and-desist letter after the president played his song “Livin' On The Edge” at a rally.

The Rolling Stones also took issue with Mr Trump using their music after he played “Start Me Up” at an event.

Reporting by Press Association.