Spotify boss denies ‘silencing’ Joe Rogan despite removing more than 100 podcasts

Spotify’s chief executive has defiantly said he will not “silence” the podcaster Joe Rogan, despite confirming that more than 100 of his previous episodes had been removed.

Daniel Ek told staff in an email that “cancelling voices is a slippery slope”. It comes despite a revolt from prominent musicians including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell that has seen their back catalogues removed from the streaming service over Mr Rogan’s alleged embrace of vaccine sceptics.

“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,” Mr Ek wrote.

Mr Rogan, 54, is Spotify’s most popular podcast host and was signed by the company in a reported $100m (£74m) deal in 2019. He is known for lengthy conversations with often-controversial figures including scientists who have contravened health authorities’ advice on Covid-19.

His exclusive deal with Spotify became an increasing problem for Mr Ek when a group of medical experts wrote to the streaming service last month urging it to take action. Artists including Graham Nash and India Arie have joined the boycott.

Mr Ek confirmed that Mr Rogan’s podcasts, recorded before he had signed the Spotify deal, had been recently removed from the service. A total of 113 are now missing, a number of which are believed to have been removed for guests’ use of the n-word during the show.

“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,” Mr Ek wrote. “I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard.”

Mr Rogan posted an apology video to Instagram over the weekend over his use of the word and comparing being in a black neighbourhood to the film Planet of the Apes.