Swedish pop star Zara Larsson unleashed a profanity-filled tirade against President Donald Trump’s White House after it used one of her songs in a video promoting deportations. Larsson called the people behind the video “f—ing losers” and condemned footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting people. She also argued that she and the video’s creator were “not that different” from the individuals shown being taken into custody. The singer said watching the clip left her feeling sad and heavyhearted.
The situation began after the White House posted a TikTok video on Wednesday, September 16th, featuring Larsson’s song “Midnight Sun.” The video showed ICE agents arresting and handcuffing people while the song played in the background. The White House captioned the post, “Never ending deportations…✨” Larsson soon released her own video responding to the administration and defending the people shown in the footage.
“Like, I don’t even know what to say,” Larsson began. She explained that people had tagged her in the White House post and predicted that she would be angry about the use of her music. “You know what? I’m just sad. I’m just really sad,” she said. “That really makes me sad to see that, genuinely. My heart’s heavy.” Larsson then directed her comments toward whoever produced the White House video. “I wish I could speak to whoever made this video.”
According to Breitbart News, she said, “I wish I could talk to you and I wish I could help you remember that you and I, we aren’t that different. At all.” She added, “And we’re not that different from the people in this video either.”
“The biggest difference between us is that we were dealt a different hand in life,” Larsson continued. The singer pointed to the opportunities she received while growing up in Sweden, including access to healthcare and education. “I consider myself so lucky with the life I’ve been dealt,” she said. “The fact that I am born in Sweden. I have healthcare. I’ve had an education.”
Larsson discussed undocumented immigrants, arguing that many are searching for better lives. “And there’s people out there who are not that lucky. And they want to have a better life for their families or for themselves or for their children,” she said. Larsson did not mention the identities of the specific people shown in the White House video or the circumstances behind their arrests. “I just don’t understand how it could be the worst thing in the world to be an undocumented immigrant,” she added.
Watch Larsson’s response here:
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@zaralarsson #stitch with @The White House ♬ original sound – Zara Larsson
The pop star said debates about immigration policy were fair but claimed that the White House video had crossed a line by turning immigration enforcement into entertainment. “I think, sure, if you want to talk about politics and immigration politics, fine,” she said. “But that’s really not what this is. Like, this video is so dehumanizing. These people in this video are real people.” She then pointed to one man shown in the footage, saying, “There’s a f—ing guy in there with construction wear. He’s working.”
Larsson also objected to the administration’s decision to use “Midnight Sun,” saying the song was meant to convey connection with nature, the universe, and other people. She accused the White House of turning serious subjects into memes before ending her response with a direct attack on the people behind the post. “I just don’t get it. It’s just so f—ing uncool,” Larsson said. “It’s just giving… I don’t even know. Oh my gosh, you guys are such f—ing losers. It’s crazy.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.