Spanish Skater’s Minions Olympic Programme Cleared After Copyright Hiccup
A copyright dispute nearly derailed Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté’s Olympic programme, but last-minute clearance from Universal Studios has secured his Minions-themed short program for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
The 26-year-old, a six-time Spanish national champion, had used music from the Minions franchise throughout the current season. His programme incorporates several audio elements: the Universal Pictures theme sung by the Minions, Pharrell Williams’ “Freedom” from Despicable Me 3, and the track “Papaya (Vaya Papayas).” Sabaté submitted the programme for approval via the International Skating Union’s (ISU) ClicknClear copyright system in August 2024.
However, late last week, Sabaté announced on social media that he had been informed the music could not be used, leaving him to consider reprogramming just days before his Olympic debut. He described the news as “incredibly disappointing.”
The situation changed following significant online advocacy. Figure skating fans and supporters of the whimsical routine publicly questioned the timing of the block and urged Universal to grant an exception. This public pressure appears to have prompted a reconsideration.
On Tuesday, Sabaté confirmed via Instagram that Universal had officially granted him permission for “this one special occasion.” He expressed profound gratitude to his supporters, stating their efforts directly led to the rights holder’s reversal. Figure skating analyst Jackie Wong noted that while not all musical cuts are fully cleared, the most complex hurdle—the Universal studio theme—has been resolved via special permission.
Sabaté’s costume and programme were deliberately designed to bring a playful, joyful style to the men’s singles discipline. He has stated his aim was to demonstrate that elite male figure skating can be fun. The short program competition is scheduled for February 10, 2026, with the Olympic opening ceremony set for February 6.
The episode highlights the intricate copyright landscape athletes navigate for Olympic programmes and the potential impact of fan engagement on rights-holder decisions, especially in the final pre-Games period. Sabaté is now poised to debut his now-iconic Minions routine on the Olympic stage.
