Newt Gingrich: Dismiss Lawsuit Over 'Eye Of The Tiger' Rights (VIDEO)

Newt Fights 'Eye Of The Tiger' Lawsuit

Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich asked a federal judge Monday to dismiss the pending lawsuit filed by the co-writer of "Eye of the Tiger," demanding the candidate stop playing the song at campaign events.

In a defense filing received by U.S. District Court in Chicago, Gingrich denies any wrongdoing, arguing that the recordings constituted fair use and questioning the suit's jurisdiction, NBC Chicago reports.

Sullivan's bandmate, Jim Peterik, who helped co-write the song, has spoken out against the lawsuit.

"My stance is that we wrote this song as a motivational anthem, right? And music is supposed to do a job; and if it can motivate people to get out and vote, and shake them out of the doldrums to get out to the polls, then it's doing its job," Peterik told Fox Chicago.

In addition to a cease and desist order, Sullivan's suit also seeks monetary damages and attorneys’ fees, according to tthe Chicago Sun-Times.

For more instances of musicians pushing back against politicians, scroll through the slideshow below.

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Musicians vs. Politicians: Artists Fight Back

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