Joe Rogan, the popular podcaster, has claimed that two former presidents contacted Spotify amidst the controversy surrounding his COVID-19 commentary in 2022. Spotify faced significant backlash for allegedly allowing Rogan to spread misinformation about the virus.
During the height of the controversy, musician Neil Young famously removed his content from Spotify in protest, stating he didn't want to share a platform with Rogan. Rogan recounted the situation, saying, "And then all of a sudden, I hear that Neil Young wants me removed from Spotify. I was like, ‘What the f--- is going on? This is crazy.’"
Rogan further revealed, "Spotify got calls from two former presidents," adding a new layer to the already complex situation. He didn't disclose the identities of the former presidents.
The Biden White House also weighed in on the matter. Then-Press Secretary Jen Psaki commented on Spotify's decision to flag podcasts covering COVID-19, calling it "a positive step." She added, "But we want every platform to continue doing more to call out misinformation while also uplifting accurate information."
Psaki emphasized the importance of responsible and vigilant behavior from major tech platforms and news sources to ensure accurate information about COVID-19 is accessible to the American public.
Interestingly, Rogan stated that despite the criticism and calls for censorship, his subscriber base actually grew during the controversy. "I grew by 2 million subscribers in a month," he said. "People started listening... like, ‘Oh, let me see what this guy is saying.’"
The Impact of Controversy on Free Speech and Platforms
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about free speech, misinformation, and the responsibility of platforms like Spotify to moderate content. The involvement of former presidents suggests the significant political weight attached to the issue.
The Role of Tech Platforms
- Content moderation policies
- Balancing free speech with public health concerns
- The impact of celebrity voices on public opinion
The long-term consequences of this controversy on Spotify and the broader podcasting landscape remain to be seen.