Stuff You Should Know John Lennon and the FBI
Dec 3, 2020
Explore the unexpected link between John Lennon and the FBI, revealing the political paranoia of Richard Nixon's administration. Discover how Lennon and Yoko Ono used their fame to promote peace amidst government surveillance. Learn about Lennon's struggles against deportation and his legal battles challenging the FBI's invasive tactics. Uncover the essence of activism during the turbulent early 1970s, where music and politics intertwined, and how the scrutiny from authorities affected Lennon’s creativity and life.
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Celebrity Activism and Nixon's Fear
- John Lennon and Yoko Ono were possibly the first celebrity activist couple.
- Nixon targeted Lennon, fearing his influence on young voters during his re-election campaign.
Lennon's Visa and Yoko's Custody Battle
- John Lennon entered the US on a work visa in 1971.
- Yoko Ono, Lennon's wife, had a custody battle, giving the US leverage over Lennon.
Thurmond's Role
- Strom Thurmond, a segregationist senator, initiated John Lennon's FBI troubles.
- He saw Lennon's activism as a threat to Nixon's reelection.