Famous podcaster Joe Rogan has been on a redemption tour since the recent backlash he faced over allegations of COVID-19 misinformation on his show, which is exclusively available on Spotify.
We probably won't see Josh Zepps on Rogan's podcast for a while 😂 pic.twitter.com/Eyff4FJn6p
— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) January 13, 2022
Joe Rogan clears the air on misinformation allegations
The comedian slash retired MMA fighter, who recently came under fire over his comments about African skin, took to his Instagram to address fans about the recent outrage concerning his comments on a number of COVID-19-focused episodes.
Faced with mounting pressure, including a letter signed by 270 scientists and medical professionals urging Spotify to take decisive action, as well as boycotts from veteran musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, the podcaster issued a public response, essentially thanking the giant streaming service for siding with him and allowing him the platform to continue presenting ‘unpopular’ opinions about COVID-19.
Spotify to launch COVID-19 hub for podcasts
While Spotify did not bend over to calls for Rogan’s sacking — why would they? he’s the biggest act on the platform — the streaming giant’s co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek did confirm the streaming service is “working to add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about COVID-19.”
“This advisory will direct listeners to our dedicated COVID-19 Hub, a resource that provides easy access to data-driven facts, up-to-date information as shared by scientists, physicians, academics and public health authorities around the world, as well as links to trusted sources. This new effort to combat misinformation will roll out to countries around the world in the coming days. To our knowledge, this content advisory is the first of its kind by a major podcast platform,” the statement read.
Ek stressed that, although Rogan will be granted leeway to continue hosting controversial guests with questionable views on the global health crisis, the onus will be on the listener to educate themselves.
“I want you to know that from the very first days of the pandemic, Spotify has been biased toward action,” he said.
