In a surprising twist that has sparked controversy across social media, the White House’s official Twitter account has come under heavy fire for utilizing a voiceover from a Jet2 advertisement to mock migrants being deported. Jess Glynne, the talented British singer renowned for her empowering anthems, has voiced her strong disapproval of this audacious move.
The incident occurred earlier this week when the White House posted a modified audio clip from the popular Jet2 travel commercial featuring Glynne’s hit song “Hold My Hand.” This specific audio has transcended its original purpose, becoming a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok, where users have tapped into its catchy rhythm for various memes and trends.
In the mishandled tweet, viewers were presented with distressing footage of shackled undocumented immigrants being escorted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents onto a GlobalX plane, a known asset for these deportation operations. The White House added an unsettling twist with a caption reading, “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!” This attempt at humor was met with immediate backlash, as many deemed it distasteful and inappropriate.
Jess Glynne did not hold back her feelings regarding the misuse of her music. Taking to Instagram, she expressed her outrage directly to her fans, stating, “This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity never about division or hate.” Her heartfelt message resonated with many of her followers and industry peers alike. One user even suggested legal action against both Glynne and Jet2 for the inappropriate context in which her song was used, while others echoed sentiments that her music is meant for healing, not hate. One particularly astute comment pointed out that artists must protect their work from being co-opted for agendas that contradict their intentions.
As the fallout from the White House’s tweet continued, many began to speculate about how such a misaligned message could come from the official account representing the U.S. government. The comments rolled in, with supporters urging Glynne to take a stand against the misuse of art for propaganda, highlighting a clear disconnect from current social issues by those in power.
In an unrelated matter, President Trump recently concluded a five-day visit to Scotland, which included a range of events, from the inauguration of a new golf course at his Menie resort in Aberdeenshire to playing several rounds at his other property in Turnberry, South Ayrshire. While his time in Scotland was primarily private, he still managed to engage with notable figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
During an address at the new golf course, Trump made statements linking his love for the sport to his broader responsibilities as president, insisting that his governance and global issues take precedence over leisure activities: “Well play it very quickly, and then Ill go back to DC and well put out fires all over the world.”
In a week filled with media moments and public reactions, these two stories have shown just how social media can amplify voices, especially when it comes to matters of authenticity in art and urgent political issues. With Jess Glynne standing firmly against the exploitation of her message, it seems the conversation around ethics in art and the power of public figures to influence opinion continues to evolve.
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