Jess Glynne, the acclaimed singer who identifies as queer, has publicly condemned the use of her song "Hold My Hand" in a recent video released by the White House. The video, which has sparked significant controversy, showcases Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations and utilizes Glynne's music in a context she finds deeply objectionable.
The song, originally released in 2015, gained renewed popularity last year, particularly in the United Kingdom, thanks to its inclusion in a viral advertisement for Jet2, a British budget airline. This ad subsequently became a meme sensation on TikTok, with users across the platform creating videos that mimic the style and spirit of the original. The cheerful nature of the ad, complete with actress Zoë Lister’s vibrant voiceover, gave the song a second life among social media audiences.
Controversial White House Video
On July 29, the White House released a video on its official social media channels, including X, formerly known as Twitter. The clip depicted ICE agents escorting detained individuals onto a plane operated by Global Crossing Airlines, commonly referred to as GlobalX. These flights are part of ICE Air, a collection of deportation contractors identified in a ProPublica investigation as a dominant player in this domain.
Shockingly, the video mirrored the Jet2 advertisement format, using Glynne’s "Hold My Hand" as its soundtrack and even including Lister’s voiceover. The post was captioned with: "When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!" This repurposing of the ad's original intent into something politically charged and divisive did not sit well with Glynne or the broader community.
Outrage from Jess Glynne and Others
Glynne swiftly responded to the White House’s video via Instagram stories, expressing her dismay and outrage. She stated, "This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity – never about division or hate." Her words resonate with many, highlighting the incongruity between her music’s message and the video’s intent.
Zoë Lister, whose voice was also featured without consent, joined Glynne in voicing her objections. In her own social media post, she questioned the legality and morality of using her voice to support what she described as a "nasty agenda." Lister further expressed her disapproval to the BBC, emphasizing that she does not support the policies promoted by the Trump administration.
Concerns Over ICE Air Practices
The controversy extends beyond the misuse of artistic content. Several flight attendants from GlobalX have spoken out about the conditions on these deportation flights. As reported by ProPublica, these attendants have voiced concerns regarding their ability to ensure the safety and humane treatment of detainees, particularly in emergency situations. One attendant ominously warned that “it’s only a matter of time” before a serious incident occurs.
Artists United Against Unauthorized Use
Jess Glynne is not alone in her fight against unauthorized use of music by political entities. During Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, numerous artists and their estates, including Adele, R.E.M., The White Stripes, and Bruce Springsteen, demanded that their music not be used without permission. Many of these artists have publicly denounced the association of their work with Trump’s political agenda.
Similarly, the estates of iconic musicians such as Leonard Cohen, George Harrison, and Prince have also opposed the use of their music in political contexts that do not align with their values. This collective objection from the artist community underscores the importance of respecting creative rights and the intended message behind their work.
Standing Up for Artistic Integrity
The outcry from Glynne and her peers underlines a broader issue of artistic integrity and the right of creators to control the narrative surrounding their work. Music has the power to inspire, unify, and uplift, but it can also be misused to serve agendas that contradict an artist’s beliefs.
As these conversations continue, the LGBTQ+ community and allies are reminded of the ongoing need to advocate for respect and authenticity in all forms of media. It is crucial to ensure that messages of love and unity are not co-opted for purposes that divide and harm.
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