The Beastie Boys sued Brinker International, the company associated with Chili’s, in July 2024, alleging that Chili’s social-media advertising used their song “Sabotage” without permission and imitated elements of the band and the song’s music video. Reuters reported in May 2025 that the Beastie Boys and Universal Music Group settled their separate lawsuits against Brinker. The settlement terms were not disclosed, and the case did not produce a reported ruling on the allegations.
What did the Beastie Boys say Chili’s did?
In a complaint filed July 10, 2024, the Beastie Boys partnership, Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, and Dechen Yauch, executor of Adam Yauch’s estate, accused Brinker International of using “Sabotage” in Chili’s promotional social-media videos without permission. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as Beastie Boys v. Brinker International, case 1:24-cv-05221. The complaint and docket listing identify the case as a copyright action.
The complaint alleged that, beginning no earlier than November 2022, Brinker produced, sponsored, or encouraged promotional videos. It said one video used portions of both the “Sabotage” sound recording and musical composition, while featuring three characters wearing wigs, fake mustaches, and sunglasses in scenes that plaintiffs said evoked the band and the song’s official video. These descriptions are allegations in the plaintiffs’ pleading, not findings by a judge.
The complaint also alleged that the official “Sabotage” video had received 131 million YouTube views. That is the figure the plaintiffs gave in their 2024 filing, not a verified current view count.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What legal claims did they bring?
Copyright claims
The plaintiffs asserted copyright claims concerning two distinct works: the sound recording and the musical composition. The complaint alleged unauthorized use of both in the advertising.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Lanham Act claim
The complaint also invoked the Lanham Act, alleging that the campaign used the group’s marks and identity in a way that could mislead viewers into believing the Beastie Boys sponsored or endorsed Chili’s. This was an allegation of misleading association, not a court determination that consumers were confused.
What did the complaint ask the court to do?
The plaintiffs sought an injunction as well as monetary damages. For each identified sound-recording and composition copyright, the complaint requested at least $150,000 in statutory damages if willful infringement were established. That figure was a requested remedy—not an award, settlement amount, or finding of willfulness.
Did the Beastie Boys settle the lawsuit?
Yes. Reuters reported on May 22, 2025, that the Beastie Boys and Universal Music Group settled their separate lawsuits against Brinker over alleged use of “Sabotage” in Chili’s social-media advertising. Reuters reported that the settlement terms were not disclosed.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The public information cited here does not establish a settlement amount or any particular non-monetary term. The settlement report also does not describe a ruling on whether Brinker infringed copyright or violated the Lanham Act, so the allegations should not be treated as adjudicated facts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the song was central to the dispute
“Sabotage” is a 1994 Beastie Boys song from the album Ill Communication, as Pitchfork’s album coverage identifies it. The complaint’s central contention was not simply that an ad used a recognizable song: it alleged use of the recording and composition alongside visual cues meant to evoke the band, raising both copyright and alleged endorsement issues.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
