This has put pressure onSpotify, the music streaming service that signed the comedian to anexclusivity deal in 2020.
Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about the backlash against Joe Rogan and Spotify.
Why were episodes of Rogan’s podcast removed?
Videos of Rogan using racial slurs on past episodes went viral on social media at the end of January.
The hashtags#DeleteSpotifyand#CancelSpotifybegan trending onTwitteras some people called for the removal of Rogan’s podcast.
The other 71 were deleted on Feb. 4 without explanation at the time.
Ek sent a memo to Spotify employees about the development on Feb. 6.
He confirmed that Rogan chose to remove multiple episodes of his podcast from the streaming service.
This came after Spotify’s leadership spoke to the comedian about his use of “racially insensitive language.”
CNET couldn’t confirm a link between the circulating videos and the episodes that were removed from Spotify.
This will dramatically increase our efforts in these areas."
What has Rogan said about this?
Rogan agreed he shouldn’t use such slurs, regardless of the context.
“This is a political hit job,” he said on his podcast.
“They’re taking all this stuff I’ve ever said that’s wrong and smooshing it all together.
How did this all get started?
In December, Rogan had two guests on his show who have been at the forefront of COVID misinformation.
The dangers of the illness are clear.
Since then, more than 1,000 additional medical professionals have signed the letter.
Is Spotify doing anything about COVID misinformation on its platform?
Included in the post was a link toSpotify’s platform rulesdetailing what content isn’t allowed on the service.
Ek also said the company is working on a content advisory for any podcast episode that talks about COVID.
The advisory will guide listeners to the service’sCOVID-19 hub.
Spotify employees were reportedly disappointed by his remarks.
Who else had something to say about this?
The White House chimed in on Spotify’s move to add misinformation warnings to podcast episodes.
That certainly includes Spotify,” Psaki said.
White House press sec.
“And yes, this is totally legit.”
Hey@joerogan, we are ready to fight alongside you.
“How many ways can you say you’re sorry,” the former president wrote.
