Neil Young to Remove Music from Spotify Over Joe Rogan COVID Concerns
Neil Young's Spotify Protest and Concerns Over Misinformation
Neil Young is requesting that Spotify remove his entire musical catalog due to his objections regarding the platform’s exclusive agreement with podcaster Joe Rogan.
The Core of the Dispute
Young believes Rogan’s podcast is contributing to the spread of anti-vaccine sentiments. He stated plainly that Spotify must choose between his music and Rogan’s content, asserting, “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” This demand was communicated in a letter initially published online and reviewed by Rolling Stone.
The artist highlights the significant influence of The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), which is exclusively available on Spotify. He contends that Spotify bears a responsibility to actively reduce the dissemination of inaccurate information on its service, a policy currently lacking within the company.
Spotify's Deal with Joe Rogan
In 2020, Spotify secured exclusive rights to the Joe Rogan Experience in a deal exceeding $100 million. This acquisition has subsequently drawn scrutiny and criticism.
Concerns have been raised regarding Rogan’s past statements, including those deemed transphobic, and the inclusion of guests who express critical views towards the transgender community.
Growing Opposition from Medical Professionals
Recently, a group of almost 300 medical professionals sent an open letter to Spotify. They urged the company to establish clear guidelines regarding misinformation.
This call to action followed an episode featuring Dr. Robert Malone, a virologist previously banned from Twitter for propagating false information about COVID-19.
Specific Concerns Regarding Dr. Malone's Appearance
The letter detailed how Dr. Malone utilized the JRE platform to disseminate unsubstantiated claims, including inaccuracies about COVID-19 vaccines and a theory suggesting public leaders are manipulating the population.
The medical professionals emphasized that these claims have been widely debunked and that Dr. Malone, along with another guest, drew comparisons between pandemic policies and the Holocaust – actions they deemed both offensive and dangerous.
Rogan's History of Promoting Questionable Information
Throughout the pandemic, Joe Rogan has repeatedly cast doubt on established scientific consensus. He has discouraged vaccination among healthy young individuals and advocated for the use of Ivermectin, a veterinary medication against which the FDA has issued warnings.
Potential Ripple Effects
It remains uncertain whether Neil Young’s stance will inspire similar actions from other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. However, his comments are undeniably focusing attention on Spotify’s relatively lenient approach to misinformation.
Even after securing the deal with Rogan, Spotify characterized its exclusive partnership as comparable to any other content agreement.
A Shift in Responsibility?
Spotify may now be recognizing that making decisions about content acquisition and promotion carries increased responsibility, especially when that content potentially exacerbates a public health crisis.
