Radiohead have been left infuriated after a cover of their song Let Down was used by ICE.
The Paranoid Android hitmakers have issued a blunt statement condemning the US Department of Homeland Security after a choral version of the song, which appears on their 1997 classic album OK Computer, could be heard in the background of a social media video posted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) channel which shows people it suggested have been harmed by immigrants.
The video ends with the phrase “This Is Our Why” and 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.”
In response, Radiohead “demanded” the video be taken down as they condemned the use of the song.
They said in a statement: “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…”
The blunt statement came just days after Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood shared his unhappiness that a segment of his Phantom Thread score had been used in Melania, Brett Ratner’s new documentary about first lady Melania Trump.
In a joint statement with Phantom Thread filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, he 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 agree.”
Marc Beckman, who was a producer on the film and a senior advisor to Melania Trump, was saddened by the statement because he is a big Radiohead fan.
He told 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.”