Spotify Stands By Joe Rogan; Pledges $100M To Help Marginalized Groups

Spotify is standing by Joe Rogan, despite a number of recent controversies and calls to pull the comedian and podcast host from the streaming platform.

In a memo to staff members, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek commented on the most recent controversy which was sparked by a viral video showing Rogan use the n-word on multiple occasions.

While Ek acknowledged the comments were “hurtful,” he said he does not believe silencing Rogan is the answer.

“There are no words I can say to adequately convey how deeply sorry I am for the way The Joe Rogan Experience controversy continues to impact each of you,” Ek said in the memo, via TMZ.

“Not only are some of Joe Rogan’s comments incredibly hurtful — I want you to make it clear that they do not represent the values of this company. I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard.”

Joe Rogan Gives Statement On Viral Video Showing Him Repeatedly Say N-Word

Spotify removed more than 100 previous episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast over the weekend.

Ek continued, “While I strongly condemn what Joe has said and I agree with his decision to remove past episodes from our platform, I realize some will want more.

“And 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.”

Along with removing the episodes, Ek pledged to invest $100 million “for the licensing, development, and marketing of music and audio content from historically marginalized groups.”

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