The Pokémon Company has stated that it did not give permission for the use of its theme song and other footage in a video related to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportations, which was recently shared by the U.S. government. The brand expressed its awareness of the situation through a statement to the BBC, emphasizing that it had not participated in the creation or distribution of the content and had not granted the necessary permissions for the use of its intellectual property.
The incriminating video, promoted via the Homeland Security X account and also shared on TikTok by the White House, integrates Pokémon's popular slogan 'Gotta catch 'em all' interspersed with images and scenes of border patrol actions. Additionally, it features clips from the opening sequence of the beloved Pokémon anime, illustrated by main character Ash Ketchum.
Controversially, the video concludes with fabricated Pokémon trading cards adorned with the mugshots of individuals arrested by ICE, alongside accusations of serious crimes such as murder and child endangerment. This alarming juxtaposition has triggered outrage among fans and general audiences alike.
In related news, comedian Theo Von has voiced his objection toward another video by Homeland Security that misappropriated his audio to showcase deportation statistics. In his public response, Von clarified his disapproval of being associated with such content, urging for the removal of the video and calling for more nuanced conversations about immigration issues.
This incident resonates with previous criticisms from artists such as Jess Glynne, who condemned the White House for using her song in a video promoting deportations, revealing a larger trend of misusing popular culture in politically sensitive contexts.
