The British band Radiohead publicly requested that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remove a video released on social networks that includes a choral version of their song “Let down”, from the album OK Computer (1997).
In a statement dated February 27, the group expressed its rejection of the use of the song and demanded that the video be removed. The official ICE release showed images of U.S. citizens who, according to the agency, were victims of crimes committed by people without legal status in the country. The message accompanying the video stated, “This is why we fight. This is our reason.” The content was also replicated on accounts linked to the Department of Homeland Security and federal government figures.
Radiohead’s position
In its statement, Radiohead made it clear that it did not authorize ICE’s use of “Let Down.”
He expressed that the song has a special meaning for both the band and its audience.
The group argued that their music cannot be used for political purposes without their consent.
The case adds to a recurring discussion in the United States about the use of songs in political and governmental content on social networks.
Under digital licensing rules, many platforms allow the use of music under general agreements.
This makes it difficult for artists to immediately block certain videos, even when they do not endorse the message.
El grupo manifestó su rechazo al uso de la canción
QuéOnnda.com
Similar background
The controversy comes shortly after Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood voiced objections related to the use of some of his work as a composer in another audiovisual context.
Although he did not directly own the copyright in that case, he expressed disagreement that he had not been consulted.
Other international artists have also criticized the use of their music in political publications.
In recent years, pop and R&B figures have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction when their songs have been included in official videos without explicit authorization.
So far, it has not been publicly confirmed that the video with the Radiohead song has been removed by ICE.
There was also no immediate response from the Department of Homeland Security to requests for comment.
The truth is that Radiohead has made its position clear:
He does not endorse the unauthorized political use of his music.
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