**Pokemon Denies Permission for Theme Song in Controversial DHS Video**
In a recent controversy, the Pokemon Company has stated that it did not authorize the use of its iconic theme song in a video released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that depicted deportations. The video, which included the slogan “Gotta catch ’em all,” showcased border patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making arrests, along with clips from the Pokemon anime featuring the character Ash Ketchum.
The Pokemon Company International issued a statement clarifying, “Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property.” The video was shared on the Homeland Security X account and the White House TikTok page, garnering millions of views.
In a response to inquiries from Sky News, a DHS spokesperson referenced the lyrics of the Pokemon theme song, stating, “To arrest them is our real test. To deport them is our cause.” This incident is part of a broader trend where various artists and brands have distanced themselves from the Trump administration after their work was used in political contexts without consent.
Comedian and podcaster Theo Von also expressed his disapproval of a now-deleted DHS video that featured a clip of him saying, “heard you got deported dude, bye.” Von, who has a significant following among younger audiences, shared the video with his 1.6 million followers, emphasizing that he did not approve of its use. He requested the DHS to remove the video, stating, “When it comes to immigration, my thoughts and heart are a lot more nuanced than this video allows.”
Additionally, British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne voiced her discomfort after the DHS released a video that paired her 2015 hit “Hold My Hand” with footage of individuals being handcuffed and deported. Glynne, whose song is often associated with a holiday company, criticized the video for misrepresenting her music’s message, which she described as promoting love and unity rather than division and hate.
The DHS video was taken down shortly after the backlash, highlighting the ongoing tension between popular culture and political messaging.
**FAQ**
*Why did Pokemon object to the use of its theme song in the DHS video?*
Pokemon objected because it did not grant permission for its theme song to be used in a video depicting deportations, which the company felt misrepresented its brand values.
