Summary:
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Addison Rae filed a copyright claim against DHS for using “Diet Pepsi” in an ICE recruitment video. Media disabled.
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“Diet Pepsi” is Rae’s breakout single from her debut album, described as a synth-pop track about youth and love.
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The ICE recruitment video, featuring agents to Rae’s song, caused confusion. DHS has not responded publicly.
Addison Rae has filed a copyright claim against the Department of Homeland Security after the federal agency used her 2024 breakout single “Diet Pepsi” without authorization in a video promoting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
DHS posted a montage video featuring ICE agents — with frequent close-ups on their biceps — set to Rae’s song, captioned “ICE is HOT.” The post also included a link directing viewers to apply to become ICE agents online.
Following Rae’s copyright report, media capabilities were disabled on the DHS post. The Homeland Security account displayed a notice reading, “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”
“Diet Pepsi,” released Aug. 9, 2024, through Columbia Records, served as the lead single from Rae’s debut studio album Addison.
The synth-pop and alternative pop track is described as being about “the immortal feeling of being young and in love.”
The recruitment video also drew widespread confusion from observers across the political spectrum. Conservative journalist Eric Spracklen wrote on X, “I wish DHS cared as much about mass deportations as they do making Instagram reels.”
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DHS has not issued a public statement regarding the copyright claim. Representatives for Addison Rae did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
