 promotional video that features a choir cover of their 1997 track “Let Down.){kind=link}
British rock band Radiohead is demanding the removal of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) promotional video that features a choir cover of their 1997 track “Let Down.” The band says the song was used without permission and blasted the agency in a sharply worded statement.
“It goes without saying that it was without the band’s permission,” a spokesperson told Variety. The group added: “We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down… you don’t get to appropriate it without a fight. Also, go f*** yourselves… Radiohead.”
ICE Video Sparks Music Copyright Clash
The video, posted February 18, shows images of alleged victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The caption reads: “Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence… This is who we fight for. This is our why.”
Though the track used is a cover, Radiohead insists it will challenge the administration over copyright and unauthorized use.
Artists Push Back on Trump Administration
The clash adds to a growing list of musicians objecting to the Trump administration’s use of their music in official messaging.
- Sabrina Carpenter called an ICE video featuring her song “Juno” “evil and disgusting.”
- Olivia Rodrigo told officials to never use her music to promote “racist, hateful propaganda.”
- Metallica issued a copyright strike after the Department of Defense used one of its songs in a video.
- ABBA, Celine Dion, and Beyoncé also objected to the use of their music during the 2024 campaign cycle.
Previous Dispute Involving Jonny Greenwood
This is not the first conflict between the band and the Trump orbit. Guitarist Jonny Greenwood previously objected to music he scored for The Phantom Thread appearing in the documentary Melania. Producers claimed the track was properly licensed and declined to remove it.
The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
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