Radiohead has delivered a forceful joint statement after discovering their song "Let Down" was used in a social media video by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The band demanded immediate removal of the clip, which features a choral version of the track over a montage depicting alleged victims of violence by "illegal aliens."
Blunt Demands and Strong Language
In a statement provided to The Independent, Radiohead expressed their outrage clearly: "We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down. It ain't funny, this song means a lot to us and other people, and you don't get to appropriate it without a fight." The band concluded with a profane directive, signing off as "Radiohead."
Recent Clashes with the Trump Administration
This incident marks the second time this month that Radiohead members have confronted the Trump administration over unauthorized use of their music. Two weeks prior, guitarist Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson requested removal of music from the 2017 film Phantom Thread from Melania Trump's controversial Amazon documentary.
Greenwood's representatives alleged that using the piece "Barbara Rose," which he composed for the film, breached his composer agreement. They stated that while Greenwood does not own the copyright, distributor Universal failed to consult him on this third-party use, violating contractual terms.
Context of the ICE Video and Broader Implications
The ICE social media post, which prompted Radiohead's sharp response, aimed to highlight crimes attributed to undocumented immigrants. However, the band's reaction underscores ongoing tensions between artists and political entities over music appropriation for propaganda or promotional purposes.
Radiohead's statement not only criticizes the specific use but also challenges the broader practice of repurposing creative work without consent, especially in politically charged contexts.
Documentary Reception and Greenwood's Career Shift
The Melania documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, followed the first lady in the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration. It earned $13.35 million domestically in its first two weekends, exceeding projections partly due to organized groups of Republican women in its audience.
Critics widely panned the film; The Independent's Nick Hilton gave it a one-star review, questioning its documentary integrity. Meanwhile, Jonny Greenwood has increasingly focused on film composition, contributing to scores for over a dozen films, including There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, reflecting a shift from his rock music roots.
Radiohead's demand to ICE highlights a growing trend of artists asserting control over their work in an era where music is easily co-opted for political messaging, setting a precedent for future disputes over intellectual property and artistic expression.
