Olivia Rodrigo was just scrolling on her phone when she saw it. A video posted by the Department of Homeland Security showed ICE agents detaining people while her song All-American Bitch played in the background. The experience left her deeply disturbed and enraged.
The video was posted in November. It urged undocumented immigrants to self-deport using a government app or face consequences. Images showed agents tackling and detaining people of color. And there was Rodrigo’s song, the opening track from her album Guts, playing over the footage.
Rodrigo spoke about the moment in a new interview with Dazed. She said it was deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact that it was her song made her feel even more enraged. She called what the administration is doing awful, barbaric, and cruel. She added that she is really sad to be in a country that thinks any of it is okay.
At the time, Rodrigo left a comment on the post. She wrote: do not ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda. The comment was later deleted, but screenshots spread widely across social media. The song has since been removed from the video.
Rodrigo has been vocal about immigration before. Months earlier, she spoke out against violent deportations in Los Angeles, her hometown. She said LA would not exist without immigrants and that treating hardworking community members with such little respect and due process is awful.
Rodrigo is far from alone. Sabrina Carpenter called a similar ICE video evil and disgusting. Jess Glynne said a deportation post using her music made her sick. Radiohead told the administration to go f*** themselves. The pattern is clear: artists do not want their music soundtracking this message.
After Rodrigo’s comments in British Vogue, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement. It said America is grateful for federal law enforcement officers who keep the country safe. It suggested Rodrigo thank them for their service instead of belittling their sacrifice.
