Celebs Vs. Spotify: The Censorship/Misinformation Debate
By Movieguide® Contributor
In the continuing saga of Joe Rogan’s controversial podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” on Spotify, more celebrities have stepped into the conversation to offer their opinions.
On Sunday night, Rogan posted an almost-10 minute video in response to his critics and fans alike after Spotify said they would post warnings on content that addressed COVID-19 information.
“I’m not trying to promote misinformation. I’m not trying to be controversial or do anything other than just talk to people and have interesting conversations,” Rogan said.
In the video, Rogan discusses how challenging it can be to prepare for an unscripted podcast.
He also defends medical experts Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist, and Dr. Robert Malone, an infectious disease specialist, and refers to them as “highly credentialed, very intelligent, very accomplished people,” Rogan said, later adding: “I do not know if they’re right. I don’t know because I’m not a doctor; I’m not a scientist. I’m just a person who sits down and talks to people and has conversations with them.”
Rogan says that he simply wanted to offer a platform for those experts who have differing opinions other than what’s offered in the mainstream narrative.
“I think If there’s anything that I’ve done that I could do better is have more experts with differing opinions right after I have the controversial ones.”
In the comments section under the video, actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, wrote, “Great stuff here brother. Perfectly articulated. …”
Actor Jamie Kennedy said, “Tell me 1 person in the mainstream media that is this transparent and this open. Go ahead , I’ll wait. 🙌”
Former Mr. Olympia Phil Heath wrote, “Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and efforts moving forward. I truly believe you’re an asset to us as this era in time needs a voice from someone genuine and intellectually curious about the various topics surrounding our society. What a time to be alive! Keep killin it! 🔥”
Meanwhile, Neil Young announced he would be removing his music library from Spotify with the support of his music label. Canadian music artist Joni Mitchell and Bruce Springsteen guitarist Nils Lofgren followed.
India Arie and Graham Nash also requested their music be removed from the streaming platform.
The divide has given Rogan some unlikely allies, including talk show host Trevor Noah, who has openly mocked Rogan in the past.
“I actually thought it was pretty classy,” Noah said of Rogan’s video. “… I thought it was pretty dope. It was refreshing.”
Rogan’s apology affected Spotify stock prices, as they rose 13% after he posted the video.
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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.
