Radiohead have issued a strong statement after a choral version of their song “Let Down” was used in a social media video posted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The video, shared on the ICE social channel, featured claims about crimes committed by immigrants and ended with the phrase “This Is Our Why.” It was posted with the caption:
“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.”
The version of “Let Down” used in the video originates from OK Computer, the band’s 1997 album.
Band demands video removal
Radiohead responded by calling for the video to be removed and criticised the use of their music in the post.
“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.
Also, go f*** yourselves…”
Another dispute involving Jonny Greenwood’s music
The statement follows a separate issue raised by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood regarding music from the film Phantom Thread. Greenwood said part of his score had been used in Melania, a documentary about Melania Trump directed by Brett Ratner.
In a joint statement with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, Greenwood said:
“It has come to our attention that a piece of music from Phantom Thread has been used in the Melania documentary.
While Jonny Greenwood does not own the copyright in the score, Universal failed to consult Jonny on this third-party use, which is a breach of his composer agreement.”
Film producer responds
Marc Beckman, a producer on the documentary and a senior adviser to Melania Trump, responded in comments to Variety.
“It’s funny — Radiohead is one of my all-time favourite bands. For them to have come out publicly and distanced themselves, I think that’s just part of the unfortunate time we’re living in.”
“We went out and created a nice film that doesn’t get into any kind of political policy or anything like that. The music at that moment is so perfect, honestly, I was so thrilled to be able to use it.”
“We spent top dollars for all that music, and we’re thrilled to have that song included in the film”.
