Feb 28 • 06:26 UTC 🇩🇰 Denmark DR Nyheder

Radiohead to ICE: Remove video with our song and "get the hell out"

Radiohead has demanded that the U.S. immigration agency ICE remove a video featuring their song, expressing strong disapproval of its use in a context that appropriates their message.

The British rock band Radiohead has expressed significant displeasure towards the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using their song in a social media video. In a statement, the band called for the immediate removal of the video, which features a cover of their track "Let Down." Radiohead emphasized the importance of the song both to them and to their audience, stating, "This song means a lot to us and to other people, and you will not be allowed to appropriate it without a fight."

The video in question is a montage portraying victims of violence, while ICE's narrative connects these incidents to actions allegedly committed by "illegal immigrants". The agency's framing has drawn criticism for its portrayal of immigration issues, raising ethical concerns about the manipulation of artistic works for political messaging. Alongside Radiohead, pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has previously taken issue with ICE's use of her music in a similar context, indicating a broader pattern of artists resisting the appropriation of their work for controversial governmental purposes.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between artists and political entities over the use of music and art in narratives that may conflict with the creators' intentions or messages. It serves as a reminder of the power of art in shaping public perception and the necessity for entities like ICE to consider the implications of their media usage, especially concerning topics as sensitive as immigration and violence.

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