Jess Glynne ‘Sick’ Over Jet2 Song Used in US Deportation Video — Artist and Airline Speak Out
This summer, a viral Jet2 holiday advert became a hit online, sparking laughter with its cheeky portrayal of the realities of a British summer holiday — think water slide fails and buckets of rain. The upbeat song “Hold My Hand” by British singer Jess Glynne provided the catchy soundtrack, making it a favorite meme for many.
But recently, the viral video took a very unexpected and unsettling turn when it was repurposed by the U.S. government in a post promoting immigration enforcement and deportations, leading to strong reactions from both Jess Glynne and Jet2.
How Did the Jet2 Ad Become a Viral Meme?
Originally, the Jet2 holiday advert was meant as a lighthearted promo showing the ups and downs of a typical British holiday. Its humorous tone, combined with Jess Glynne’s uplifting track, caught the internet’s imagination. The video was shared widely, with many viewers relating to the sometimes soggy, sometimes chaotic realities of summer vacations in the UK.
The contrast between the sunny, optimistic song and the gloomy footage made it a perfect recipe for memes and viral sharing.
The Dark Twist: US Deportation Video Using the Song
This joyful meme took a dark turn when the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) used the Jet2 ad footage, including the “Hold My Hand” song, in a social media post promoting deportation actions. The video depicted images related to immigration enforcement, a stark contrast to the lightheartedness of the original advert.
This caused immediate backlash online, as many felt the upbeat song was being used inappropriately to promote something as serious and distressing as deportations.
Jess Glynne’s Reaction: Feeling ‘Sick’ Over the Use of Her Song
Jess Glynne publicly expressed her disgust and disappointment over her music being used in this context without her permission. She said she felt “sick” knowing her song was associated with deportations and immigration enforcement, something she does not support.
Glynne’s reaction resonated with many fans who appreciated her stance and called for respect around how music is used, especially in political or controversial contexts.
Jet2 Condemns the White House’s Use of Their Ad
Jet2, the airline behind the original advert, also condemned the use of their video in the U.S. government’s deportation post. The company stated that the advert was created for holiday promotions and had no connection to immigration or law enforcement.
Jet2’s firm stance highlights the frustration many brands and artists face when their work is used in ways that contradict their values or original intentions.
Why Does This Matter?
This incident highlights a broader issue around the unauthorized use of creative content, especially by political entities. When music or videos become viral, they can be taken out of context, leading to misuse that may harm artists’ reputations or misrepresent their work.
It also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of governments and organizations when using public content, particularly in sensitive areas like immigration.
The Power of Music in Politics and Media
Music often shapes how messages are received. An upbeat song paired with distressing visuals can create mixed signals or, worse, be seen as trivializing serious matters.
Artists like Jess Glynne have voiced concerns over their work being appropriated for political agendas they don’t support. This case is a reminder of the importance of respecting artistic intent.
What’s Next?
Both Jess Glynne and Jet2 have called for the removal of the deportation video and for respect around the use of creative content. Social media platforms and audiences are now more aware of how viral content can be misused and the potential impact on public opinion.
What started as a funny, relatable advert about British holidays became the center of controversy when used in an unexpected and distressing political context. Jess Glynne’s strong reaction and Jet2’s condemnation remind us all about the power of music and media — and the need to protect artistic works from misuse.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a powerful example of how content can be repurposed online and the responsibilities of those who share it, especially in sensitive political arenas.
