fbpx

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Breaks Silence on Rogan Free Speech Controversy

Screenshot from The Joe Rogan Experience YouTube

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Breaks Silence on Rogan Free Speech Controversy

By Movieguide® Contributor

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek finally broke his media silence and addressed company employees regarding their decision to continue to host Joe Rogan and his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

“I need to make something crystal clear even in the face of the criticism over the last few weeks, our policies are still something we stand behind. And during this COVID-19 pandemic, these policies have resulted in the removal of over 20,000 episodes. We can’t write new or different policies based on news cycles or calls from individuals. If that was the case, what creator would ever trust us?” Ek shared in a 15-minute speech on Feb. 2, obtained by The Verge.

As reported on Movieguide®, Neil Young has since removed his music library from the platform after Rogan posted a podcast about vaccine research. Rogan remains on Spotify with support from celebrities including Howard Stern, Joy Behar, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and “unlikely ally” Trevor Noah.

“I understand the premise that because we have an exclusive deal with him, it’s really easy to conclude we endorse every word he says and believe the opinions expressed by his guests. That’s absolutely not the case,“ Ek said in a separate press release. “We’re defining an entirely new space of tech and media. We’re a very different kind of company, and the rules of the road are being written as we innovate.”

“Spotify is for allowing conversation and sparking thought. We have long said we want to entertain, inspire, and educate, but to do that, we have to find the best possible way to balance creative expression with the safety of our listeners,” Ek said during his speech. “We want to get to 50 million creators and a billion users, and to be a true platform and achieve this ambition, it’s really critical that creators are able to use their voice independently. And it’s also critical that we have diverse voices on our platform.”

Movieguide® previously reported:

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.”

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.