Radiohead Demands Removal of Song from ICE Video, Condemns Trump Administration
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the iconic British rock band Radiohead has condemned the unauthorised usage of their 1997 song Let Down in a social media video posted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The band explicitly demanded that the Trump administration remove the clip and delivered a blunt message: "go f*** yourselves."
Unauthorised Usage in Controversial ICE Post
The contentious video, which was shared on the platform X, features a montage of photographs accompanied by Radiohead's track. The ICE post accompanying the clip stated: 'Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence. American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country. This is who we fight for. This is our why.'
Radiohead responded with a forceful declaration, asserting: "We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down." The band emphasised the personal significance of the song, noting: "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. Also, go f*** yourselves… Radiohead."
Growing Celebrity Opposition to ICE Policies
Radiohead now joins a growing list of prominent celebrities who have publicly spoken out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies. This incident highlights the increasing intersection of music, politics, and activism in contemporary discourse.
Earlier this month, at the Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish made a powerful political statement while accepting the Song of the Year award. The singer-songwriter declared, "no one is illegal on stolen land," referencing the colonization of the Americas. She urged continued protest and advocacy, stating: "I just feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter."
Visible Protests at Major Events
The Grammy Awards ceremony became a platform for numerous artists to express their opposition. Several stars, including Joni Mitchell, Kehlani, Justin Bieber, and Hailey Bieber, wore "ICE OUT" pins in protest. Additional artists making statements both on the red carpet and on stage included Jason Isbell, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, Rhiannon Giddens, and country singer-songwriter Margo Price.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver not only sported an ICE OUT pin but also explained that he was showing support for legal observers documenting federal agents' actions in cities like Minneapolis. He told the Associated Press: "I think there’s a reason that music exists and it’s to heal and to bring people together. But the real work are those observers on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to want to shout them out."
Bad Bunny also delivered a strong statement against ICE upon accepting the top honor of the night, further amplifying the chorus of dissent from the music industry.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This incident raises significant questions about copyright infringement and the ethical use of artistic works for political messaging. Radiohead's forceful response underscores the band's commitment to controlling how their music is utilised, particularly in contexts they find objectionable. The band's demand for removal highlights the ongoing tension between government agencies and cultural figures over appropriation and representation.
The unauthorised usage of Let Down in a video promoting controversial immigration policies has sparked broader discussions about intellectual property rights and the power dynamics between artists and political entities. As celebrities continue to leverage their platforms for activism, such conflicts are likely to persist, reflecting deeper societal divisions.
