Radiohead's Fierce Response to ICE's Use of Their Song
The iconic band Radiohead has issued a scathing statement after their emotional track 'Let Down' was featured in a controversial video by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The video, posted on ICE's social media, showcases a choral rendition of the song alongside a montage of alleged victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, or as ICE refers to them, 'illegal aliens'.
Radiohead's response was swift and unapologetic: 'We demand that ICE removes the video immediately. This song holds immense significance for us and our fans, and we won't stand for its misuse. It's not a laughing matter.' The band's frustration was evident, and they didn't hold back, adding a strong expletive to emphasize their displeasure.
But here's where it gets controversial: This isn't the first time Radiohead has clashed with political figures. Just two weeks prior, guitarist Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson requested the removal of their music from Melania Trump's Amazon documentary. The reason? A breach of Greenwood's composer agreement, as the music was used without his consent.
The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner, followed Melania Trump in the days leading up to her husband's second inauguration. Despite receiving harsh criticism and a one-star review from The Independent, the film saw success at the box office, partly due to organized groups of Republican women in the audience.
Greenwood, known for his work in films like 'There Will Be Blood' and 'Licorice Pizza', has been actively composing for movies in recent years, often collaborating with renowned director Paul Thomas Anderson.
