Radiohead Demands Removal of Song from ICE Video: "Go Fuck Yourselves"

The British alternative music legend, the band Radiohead, has categorically opposed the use of their work by the U.S. agency ICE. The agency published a promotional video on social media featuring the classic song "Let Down" from the groundbreaking album "OK Computer" as background music. The band's reaction was immediate and devoid of diplomatic subtlety. The band members not only demanded the removal of the video but publicly called the agency's social media staff amateurs. This incident fits into a broader trend of legal disputes between artists and state institutions over the right to control the context of using works protected by copyright. The song "Let Down" comes from the 1997 album "OK Computer," which is considered one of the most important works of popular music in the 20th century, addressing themes of alienation and dehumanization in the age of technology. This conflict also has a clear ideological dimension. Radiohead has long been involved in pro-environmental and social initiatives, standing in opposition to the hardline migration policy of the Washington administration. The use of a melancholic song about disappointment by an agency associated with deportations is seen by fans and musicians as extremely unfortunate or provocative. Although government agencies often use popular music in their informational materials, they rarely face such a brutal response from creators. The band clearly stated that they do not wish to be associated with the actions of the national security agency, emphasizing this with a vulgar phrase directed directly at the institution. „Go fuck yourselves” — Radiohead From a legal perspective, the case involves a violation of copyright regarding synchronization of the song with images. Radiohead musicians are known for their extremely rigorous approach to licensing their music, rarely agreeing to its use in advertisements or political materials. This situation puts ICE in an awkward PR position, especially since the band has received massive support from other artists and the public on social media. Experts predict that the agency will be forced to quickly remove the disputed material to avoid further escalation of the conflict and potential financial claims resulting from the unauthorized use of intellectual property.