Radiohead Demands ICE Remove Song From Controversial Video, Issues Scathing Statement

Radiohead has publicly condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using their song “Let Down” in a recent social media video without permission. The band issued a strong statement demanding the video’s removal and expressing their disapproval of ICE’s actions.

ICE Video Sparks Outrage

The ICE video, which appeared on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms including accounts belonging to the Department of Homeland Security, the White House, and President Donald Trump, featured a choral version of “Let Down” accompanied by images and a caption claiming to depict the victims of violence perpetrated by undocumented immigrants. The caption 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’s Response: “Head Fuck Yourselves”

Radiohead responded with a forceful statement, saying, “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. Likewise, go fuck yourselves.”

A Pattern of Unauthorized Music Use

This incident is not isolated. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood recently requested that a portion of his score from the 2017 film Phantom Thread be removed from a documentary about Melania Trump. Greenwood argued that Universal failed to consult him regarding the use of his music, a breach of his composer agreement.

The Trump administration has a history of using songs by artists who object to their music being used in political contexts. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and SZA have also voiced their disapproval of similar instances.

“Let Down” – A Song with Deep Meaning

“Let Down,” released in 1997 on Radiohead’s critically acclaimed album OK Computer, is one of the band’s most popular songs, boasting over 690 million streams on Spotify. The band views the song as having significant emotional weight, making ICE’s unauthorized use particularly offensive.

Radiohead’s stance underscores the growing trend of artists asserting control over their work and objecting to its use in political messaging without their consent.