Spotify CEO apologises to workers over Joe Rogan N-word controversy

By IANS

LOS ANGELES: Swedish audio streaming platform Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, beneath hearth from critics inside and out of doors the corporate over its partnership with podcaster Joe Rogan, mentioned in a memo to workers that it was “deeply sorry” for the way the controversy over the podcast host has affected them.

But after the corporate’s removing of 70 previous episodes ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ amid Rogan’s use of the N-word and racially charged language quite a few occasions on his present, the CEO signaled that Spotify doesn’t plan to terminate its deal to distribute the podcast, stories selection.com.

“I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answera canceling voices is a slippery slope,” he wrote within the memo on Sunday, which was obtained by Variety.

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Ek mentioned he’s “committing to an incremental investment of $100 million for the licensing, development, and marketing of music (artists and songwriters) and audio content from historically marginalised groups”.

Spotify’s unique multiyear cope with Rogan is reportedly value greater than $100 million.

“If we believe in having an open platform as a core value of the company, then we must also believe in elevating all types of creators, including those from underrepresented communities and a diversity of backgrounds,” the CEO wrote.

According to Ek, Spotify has had conversations “with Joe and his team about some of the content in his show, including his history of using some racially insensitive language”.

“Following these discussions and his own reflections, he chose to remove a number of episodes from Spotify. He also issued his own apology over the weekend.”

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Rogan has been a controversial determine ever since Spotify inked its unique cope with him in 2020, given his friendliness with a number of right-wing personalities he has hosted on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’.

The newest controversy over Covid misinformation on Rogan’s podcast has gone past the low-level boil that beforehand accompanied outrage over his present.

The present boycott was began by Neil Young, who two weeks in the past demanded Spotify pull his songs or drop Rogan’s podcast. Young has been adopted by just a few different artists and creators.