During a recent livestream, iDubbbz dropped an unexpected take about one of Britain’s most acclaimed rock bands. The YouTuber casually described Radiohead as “Zionist-coded” and mentioned that he and his wife had “stopped listening to it, regularly.”
The brief clip doesn’t include any detailed explanation from iDubbbz about what specifically makes the band “coded” in this way. The term itself suggests an implied association or indirect signals rather than explicit statements.
For those wondering why Radiohead entered this conversation, the band has a complicated history with Israel-related controversies. Back in 2017, they performed in Tel Aviv despite pressure from the BDS movement to cancel the show. Frontman Thom Yorke defended the decision at the time, arguing that cultural boycotts weren’t the answer.
Guitarist Jonny Greenwood has personal ties to the region through his Israeli wife and has collaborated with both Israeli and Middle Eastern musicians over the years. These connections often resurface whenever discussions about artists and activism heat up online.
Yorke’s recent statements add another layer to the story. He’s criticized Israel’s Netanyahu government and called for international pressure to stop the war. He’s also acknowledged Israeli hostages and criticized Hamas’s tactics. This mixed approach hasn’t satisfied activists on either side of the debate.
The “coded” language iDubbbz uses reflects how online discourse handles these topics. Rather than direct accusations, creators often use implied associations to signal their stance on controversial subjects.
iDubbbz himself has evolved significantly from his earlier YouTube days. Once known for edgy content and “Content Cop” videos, he’s publicly reassessed his past work and moved toward charity boxing events and streaming. His audience is used to him weighing in on cultural debates.
The irony of saying he “stopped listening to it, regularly” wasn’t lost on viewers. Some pointed out the contradiction in boycotting something only sometimes. Others noted he was drinking Pepsi during the clip, a brand that’s actually on the BDS boycott list.
Neither Radiohead nor their representatives have responded to the livestream comment. The band rarely engages with online controversies directly, preferring to let their music and occasional statements speak for themselves.
