By Michaela Gordoni
Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s MINIONS routine almost got scrapped at the last minute.
The 26-year-old had practiced for months when he was told he couldn’t use the song just days before his performance due to copyright issues, Sporting News reported.
“I told people they were going to see the Minions at the Olympics. I don’t want to be a liar,” said USA skater Amber Glenn. “We have tried our hardest to get everything clear, do what we can, and honestly, a producer could just decide, ‘Hey, never mind, no.”
Skaters do their best to secure permission to use songs before the Olympics, but the approval process is long. While they wait, they hope for no objections.
Sabate’s short program had a medley of four songs from the DESPICABLE ME franchise. Three of the songs were approved, but he still awaited approval for the fourth, Pharrell Williams’ “Freedom.”
“I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this program due to copyright clearance issues,” Sabate said at the time. “I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation.”
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Fans were outraged when they heard he wouldn’t be able to do the performance.
“LET THE MINION SKATE!!!!” one X user wrote.
“This is so wrong and unfair for him to have to use an old program or create a whole new one right before the Olympic,” someone else said.
Then, Sabate announced that Universal Studios would allow him to use the song.
“Huge THANK YOU to everyone who reposted, shared, and supported,” Sabate wrote on Instagram. “Because of you, Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights for this one special occasion. I’m so happy to see that the minions hitting Olympic ice is becoming real again!!”
Fans were overjoyed that the show will go on.
“Can’t wait to watch the Minion Fever now 🔥🔥🔥🔥” one fan wrote.
“Congratulations 🔥 ❤️ lots of encouragement 👏” another said. One fan added, “❤️❤️❤️ Let’s go Tommmyyy!”
The ice skater will perform his MINIONS routine today during the Men’s Short program.
“Right now, my only goal is to give my very best on the ice and deliver a program worthy of the affection I have received from people all around the world,” he wrote. I am deeply moved by the love shown to a small skater from a small federation. A heartfelt hug to you all. Poopaye!” (Poopaye is Minionese for “Goodbye!”)
Poopaye!
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