“Song Use Controversy” erupts as Jess Glynne voices her strong disapproval of the White House’s appropriation of her song “Hold My Hand” in a video promoting deportations. The singer, along with others involved in the song’s creation and associated branding, have condemned the video’s message, highlighting the dissonance between the song’s intended theme of unity and the divisive context in which it was used.
Jess Glynne’s Condemnation
Jess Glynne, the artist behind the 2015 hit song “Hold My Hand,” has publicly criticized the White House for using her music in a video promoting deportations. The video, posted on the White House’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, depicted individuals in handcuffs being escorted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials onto a GlobalX flight. The accompanying caption read: “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!”
Glynne expressed her outrage on Instagram, stating that the post “makes me sick.” She emphasized that her music is about “love, unity and spreading positivity – never about division or hate.” This statement underscores the artist’s belief that her work has been fundamentally misrepresented and used to promote a message antithetical to its original intent. Her strong stance highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the use of creative works in political contexts.
Jet2 and Voiceover Artist Respond
The controversy extends beyond Jess Glynne’s disapproval, drawing in others associated with the song and its branding. “Hold My Hand” is notably featured in a popular Jet2 holiday advertisement, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The White House video’s reference to a “Jet2 holiday” further intertwined the brand with the contentious deportation narrative.
Zoe Lister, the voiceover actress for the Jet2 advert, also voiced her opposition to the video’s message. As reported by The Mirror, Lister stated that she would “never condone” her voice being used to promote what she characterized as “Trump and his abhorrent policies.” This highlights the personal and professional dilemmas faced by individuals whose work is co-opted for political purposes they fundamentally disagree with.
Jet2 itself released a statement expressing its disappointment that its brand was being used to promote government policy. According to Yahoo News, the company is unhappy with the unauthorized association of its brand with a politically charged message, potentially damaging its reputation and alienating customers.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The story has garnered significant media attention, with outlets such as Yahoo, The Guardian, The Mirror, and Daily Mail reporting on the controversy. This widespread coverage reflects the public interest in the intersection of music, politics, and ethics. The incident raises important questions about the rights of artists and brands when their work is used in political campaigns or government messaging.
Ethical Considerations of Song Use
The core issue revolves around the ethical implications of using a song intended to promote positivity and unity in a context that is inherently divisive and potentially harmful. The White House’s decision to use “Hold My Hand” in a video about deportations appears to disregard the artist’s original intentions and the potential impact on her reputation and brand. This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitivity when using creative works in political messaging.
Legal Aspects of Copyright and Usage
While the legal aspects of copyright and fair use are complex, this situation raises questions about the extent to which a government entity can use copyrighted material for promotional purposes, even if they have obtained the necessary licenses. The ethical considerations extend beyond the legal framework, encompassing the moral responsibility to respect the artist’s intent and the potential harm caused by misrepresenting their work.
Brand Association and Reputation Management
For Jet2, the unauthorized association with the White House’s deportation video presents a significant challenge in terms of brand reputation management. The company must carefully navigate the situation to mitigate any potential damage to its image and maintain customer trust. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring how a brand is being used and taking swift action to address any misuse or misrepresentation.
Broader Implications for Artists and Brands
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for artists and brands, highlighting the potential risks of their work being co-opted for political purposes. It underscores the need for artists to be vigilant in protecting their creative works and to speak out against any misuse or misrepresentation. Similarly, brands must be proactive in monitoring how their image is being used and taking steps to safeguard their reputation.
The “Hold My Hand” controversy also raises broader questions about the role of artists and brands in political discourse. While some artists may choose to actively engage in political activism, others may prefer to remain neutral. However, this incident demonstrates that even those who seek to avoid political involvement can find themselves embroiled in controversy when their work is used in a political context without their consent.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the White House’s use of Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand” highlights the complex interplay between music, politics, and ethics. Glynne’s strong condemnation, coupled with the disapproval from Zoe Lister and Jet2, underscores the importance of respecting artists’ intentions and the potential harm caused by misrepresenting their work. This incident serves as a reminder for both artists and brands to be vigilant in protecting their creative works and brand image in an increasingly politicized environment.
