Jess Glynne Condemns White House Deportation Video Featuring Her Song

Viral Sound Creator condemns Political Exploitation, Joins Musicians Protesting trump’s Music Use

LONDON – The creator of a viral sound clip, originally intended for humorous social media sharing, has publicly voiced her disapproval after it was used in a political advertisement. Lissie Lister, the voice behind the now-ubiquitous clip, expressed her dismay at seeing her work co-opted for political purposes, specifically by a politician whose identity has not been disclosed.”That’s just not the vibe – it’s meant to be funny and a way for peopel to share ridiculous things that happen to them,” Lister stated earlier this month. “Someone serious like a politician using it to push their political agenda is not something I agree with.”

The sound, which has rapidly gained popularity across platforms like TikTok, has unexpectedly propelled Lister into the spotlight. She reports hearing the clip played publicly and is now receiving bookings for gigs and festivals. “It’s hilarious that I’m now being booked for gigs and festivals,people can’t get enough of it,” she said.

this incident highlights a growing trend of artists and creators objecting to their work being used in political campaigns without consent. Lister’s stance aligns with a number of prominent musicians who have previously taken action against former U.S. President Donald Trump for unauthorized use of their music.

Just last summer, ABBA formally complained after their songs, including “The winner Takes it All,” were played at Trump campaign rallies. The Swedish pop group demanded the removal of videos featuring their music. Similarly, the estate of the late Sinéad O’Connor has requested Trump cease using her songs, stating she would have been “disgusted, hurt and insulted” by the association.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. In 2016,Adele distanced herself from Trump after he used “Rolling In The Deep” as rally music. Aerosmith’s steven Tyler also sent a cease-and-desist letter in 2015 after “Dream On” was played at numerous Trump events.

The Legal Landscape & Creator Rights

The use of copyrighted music in political campaigns raises complex legal questions. While there isn’t a blanket prohibition, using a song without permission can lead to copyright infringement claims. Political campaigns often rely on licenses from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI, which cover public performances of music. However, these licenses don’t necessarily grant permission for the music to be used in a way that implies endorsement by the artist.

This situation underscores the increasing importance of creator rights in the digital age. As content becomes more easily shareable and remixable, artists and creators are seeking greater control over how their work is used and interpreted. The rise of platforms like TikTok, where sounds can go viral overnight, further complicates the issue, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and protections for intellectual property.

The BBC has reached out to Jet2 holidays for comment regarding the advertisement featuring the sound clip. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

What legal recourse does an artist have when a political campaign uses their music without permission?

The Unauthorized Use of “Never Forget”

British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne has publicly condemned the White House for using her song “Never Forget” in a video highlighting recent deportation efforts. The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the official White House account on august 6th, 2025, showcased images of individuals being deported, set to Glynne’s 2015 hit. Glynne swiftly responded, stating her strong opposition to the use of her music in connection with such a politically charged and sensitive issue.

Glynne’s Public Statement & Immediate Response

Glynne took to her Instagram stories to express her dismay. She explicitly stated she did not grant permission for her song to be used in the video and that her music is intended to be a source of positivity and unity,not to underscore policies she fundamentally disagrees with.

Key Takeaway: This incident highlights the growing trend of artists taking a stand against the unauthorized political use of their work.

Social Media Reaction: The backlash against the White House was swift, with many users echoing Glynne’s sentiments and criticizing the administration’s decision. Hashtags like #JessGlynne and #neverforget began trending on X.

legal Ramifications of Unauthorized Music Use

The use of copyrighted music without permission carries important legal weight. Artists retain control over how their work is used, and unauthorized usage can lead to copyright infringement lawsuits.

Copyright law: Under U.S. copyright law, the White House (or any entity) requires a license to publicly perform or distribute a copyrighted song.

Potential Penalties: Penalties for copyright infringement can include substantial financial damages, legal fees, and injunctions preventing further use of the music.

Similar Cases: This isn’t the first time an artist has objected to their music being used in a political context. Artists like Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Kid Rock have previously voiced their disapproval of similar situations.

The White House’s Response & Removal of the Video

Following the widespread criticism and Glynne’s direct condemnation,the White House removed the video from its X account. No official statement addressing the unauthorized use of the song has been released as of August 7th, 2025.Though, sources indicate an internal review is underway to determine how the video was approved and published without securing the necessary licensing rights.

The Broader Implications for Artists & Political Campaigns

This incident raises crucial questions about the duty of political campaigns and government entities to respect artists’ rights and creative control.

artist Activism: More and more artists are actively using their platforms to speak out on political and social issues.

Licensing Procedures: Campaigns and organizations need to implement robust licensing procedures to ensure they obtain the necessary permissions before using copyrighted material.

Brand Reputation: Using music without permission can severely damage a campaign’s or institution’s reputation.

Understanding Music Licensing & Clearance

For those involved in media production, understanding music licensing is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key types of licenses:

1. Synchronization License (Sync License): Required to use a song in visual media, like videos, films, and TV shows.
2. master Use License: Required to use a specific recording of a song.
3. Public Performance License: Required for any public performance of a song, including broadcasts and streaming.

Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC represent songwriters and publishers and can facilitate the licensing process. Navigating these licenses can be complex, making professional music clearance services a valuable resource.

Jess Glynne’s Career & Musical Style

Jess Glynne (born Jessica Hannah Glynne on October 6, 1989) is a British singer and songwriter known for her soulful vocals and upbeat pop anthems.She rose to prominence after collaborating with Clean Bandit on the 2014 hit “Rather Be,” and has since released numerous prosperous singles and albums, including “