Upset over the alleged use of their song "Losing My Religion" in a Fox News segment about Democrats removing the word "God" from their platform, R.E.M. yesterday released a statement demanding the news outlet quit using their music.

"We have little or no respect for their puff adder brand of reportage," lead singer Michael Stipe said in the statement. "Our music does not belong there."

The band had their music publisher, Warner-Tamerlane Music, send Fox News a cease and desist letter certifying its position.

For its part, Fox News disputed reports that it was using the song to poke fun at Democrats, telling TV Newser the song was only used once on Fox & Friends "in a tease leading up to tape of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz."

UPDATE: Fox News has issued the following statement in response to R.E.M.'s letter:

FOX News Channel's use of an R.E.M. song during Thursday's edition of Fox & Friends was in full accordance with its license agreements with all appropriate parties. Nevertheless, we're always flattered to have this much attention for a song selection and we hope R.E.M. was able to satisfy their publicity fix.

[photo via AP]