The comedian and podcast host is in the middle of yet another controversy, this time with musicians and the rest of Twitter calling for Spotify to delete ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’
It appears to be effective, too. In the midst of controversy about false information and the usage of the “N-word,” the OTT service discreetly erased 113 episodes of the podcast.
However, CEO Daniel Ek has come out in support of Rogan, saying that while he is “truly sorry” for Rogan’s words, “canceling voices is a slippery slope.”
However, this isn’t Rogan’s first time in the spotlight. The comedian has shall we say, erred on the side of controversy with many of the statements he has made over the years.
Spotify claimed the Rogan controversy was not a factor in forming the advisory board. Sarah Hoyle, the streamer’s head of trust and safety, said that Spotify founded the council to address overall safety issues and not in response to “any single creative or situation.”
Many famous people have asked that Spotify remove Rogan’s podcast because of some of his statements. A few musicians have even threatened to abandon the service if Rogan does not depart.
Researchers Are Concerned About Rogan’s Potential Impact on Human Health
Because Rogan, a stand-up comedian, and TV personality, has such a large following, Wallace was especially concerned.
He has had the most-listened-to podcast on Spotify for the past two years running. The exact number of listeners is unknown. And he’s really valuable to the business.
In 2020, he reportedly inked a $100 million exclusive license contract with Spotify.
In his opinion, healthy young adults have no need for the COVID-19 vaccine. While the FDA has issued warnings against using ivermectin as a therapy, he has advocated for its use.
It’s important to note that neither Wallace nor the other signatories of the letter are demanding that Spotify remove Rogan from the service.
However, they would prefer that the corporation be more open about its policies, take more measures to regulate false information, and simplify the process of reporting such allegations.
The Spotify representative who was contacted by NPR declined to comment. This site has previously stated that it prohibits “dangerous false, deceptive, or misleading content concerning COVID-19 that may cause offline harm and/or pose a direct threat to public health.”
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Rogan’s Popularity on YouTube Was Also Crucial
Rogan accessed two expanding online communities by filming and releasing his podcast episodes on YouTube. These groups shared not just a do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos but also a belief that one might acquire power and credibility through means other than formal education or experience.
Like a cross between a Tony Robbins presentation and Reddit’s beloved “lawyer up and hit the gym” mantra, he provides “a motivational nudge in the general direction of success and happiness” for his audiences.
Rogan boasts about his black belt in tae kwon do and his years spent as a commentator for mixed martial arts (MMA) in his bio.
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Perhaps it’s telling that he puts those accomplishments ahead of his Fear Factor hosting role, as the latter may be more well-known to the wider public, but the former demonstrates the genuine machismo that his followers admire.
Research into YouTube’s growing far-right sphere of influence has borne out some of the fear that Rogan is a gateway drug for the alt-right, despite and probably even because of his progressive political affiliations.