As Spotify Cracks Down on Joe Rogan, Howard Stern and Joy Behar Call for Free Speech
By Movieguide® Contributor
Currently, there’s a war of words between several entertainment figures, and at its core is the freedom of speech.
Joe Rogan, host of the top podcast on Spotify “The Joe Rogan Experience,” recently stirred up controversy on his show for interviewing an infectious disease specialist who opposes COVID-19 vaccines for children. Legendary folk and rock artist Neil Young responded by giving Spotify an ultimatum, accusing the streaming giant of “spreading fake information about vaccines – potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them.”
Spotify replied to the singer’s ultimatum, stating, “We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users with that comes great responsibility and balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators.”
In the end, Rogan remains on Spotify and Young exited with his music library and the support of his record label Warner Brothers-owned Reprise Records.
Perhaps fearful of becoming a victim of or even perpetuating the growing trend of cancel culture, media personalities Howard Stern and Joy Behar have become two of the most vocal advocates for Joe Rogan’s freedom of speech. Though neither support Rogan’s beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, each came out in support of both Rogan’s and Young’s speech.
“I’m against any kind of censorship,” Howard Stern told Mediaite. “I really am. I don’t like censorship.”
“I don’t want to see Joe Rogan cancelled. I don’t want to see Neil Young cancelled,” Stern added. “Everything in this world comes down to money.”
Comedian and actress Joy Behar, whose fame arises from the social and political commentary she makes on the television show, THE VIEW, chimed in on the Jan. 26 episode of the ABC daytime talk show.
Variety reported:
Behar stressed that Rogan is “a horror” because of his COVID beliefs, but she cited the First Amendment and said that doesn’t mean Spotify should dump him. Instead, she called on people to boycott Spotify or not tune into Rogan’s show as an act of protest if they don’t agree with Rogan.
“The way to counter that speech is with more speech,” Behar said. “The way to counter it is with boycotts.”
Behar praised Neil Young for threatening to remove his music from Spotify in protest of Rogan. Spotify has since confirmed to Variety that it is in the process of taking Young’s music off the platform.
“Maybe other musicians will follow suit, and that would be legitimate,” Behar said. “It’s not a cancel culture, it’s a consequence culture. And the way we handle it is we don’t buy Spotify. We ignore Spotify.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
