Last week after a supercut video of Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan using the n-word on his show went viral singer / songwriter India Arie announced she did not want her music to support his platform and would be pulling her music from the streaming app [click here if you missed that].
Spotify is standing with Rogan...
From ABC News
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek apologized to staffers in a memo Sunday obtained by ABC News. Ek said Rogan chose to remove several episodes from Spotify, but made clear that: "I do not believe that silencing Joe 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 wrote. "Not only are some of Joe Rogan's comments incredibly hurtful -- I want to make clear that they do not represent the values of this company. I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard."
Ek said Spotify has had conversations with Rogan and his team about his "history of using some racially insensitive language," and that Rogan made the choice to remove some past episodes from the streaming platform.
"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," Ek added. "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."
