Spotify CEO Addresses Joe Rogan N-Word Video, Won’t Cancel Podcaster

In the recent aftermath of the Joe Rogan turmoil, Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek is sticking with the podcaster and believes in not “silencing” him during a time like this.

Though the CEO disapproved of Rogan’s use of the “N” word and other derogatory terms he used like referring to Black people as “Planet of Apes,” he released a letter to Spotify staff saying that he remains firm in his belief to continue with having Rogan on the streaming network. 

After Spotify was trending on Twitter last week, fans began canceling the streaming platform due to the delayed action of Rogan’s harmful comments towards minority communities and COVID-19 controversies. 

Spotify artists have been standing with fans also. India Arie is the latest artist to pull her music from Spotify. Dwayne Johnson is also reconsidering his support for the American commentator, claiming he didn’t know his racial past. 

Ek released a statement saying, “I want to make one point very clear — I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer. We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but canceling voices is a slippery slope.” 

Though Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, he still has well over one thousand episodes available to stream. 

Ek continues, “I’ve told you several times over the last week, but I think it’s critical we listen carefully to one another and consider how we can and should do better. I’ve spent this time having lots of conversations with people inside and outside of Spotify – some have been supportive while others have been incredibly hard, but all of them have made me think.”

The Hollywood Reporter has the entire letter. 

Rogan apologized over the weekend and admitted his comments were “regretful and shameful.”