Artists Leave Spotify Over COVID Vaccine Controversy

There are a plethora of artists that are asking for their songs to be removed from the music streaming platform, Spotify, due to the misinformation about COVID -19 and the vaccines. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Nil Lofgren are leaving Spotify for good and celebrities like Prince Harry, Megan Markle are speaking out as well. These artists are boycotting this platform because of Joe Rogan, an American podcaster, Ultimate Fighting Championship color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television presenter is spreading misinformation about the vaccine.

Over the past few weeks, at least five artists have removed all their music from Spotify. According to ibtimes.com, the reason is that Joe Rogan has, “made inaccurate claims about Covid-19 and Vaccines.” He posted an apology video on February 5, 2022, on Instagram saying that he is “not trying to promote misinformation.”

According to the ibtimes article, he says that the overall point of the podcast was to start an interesting conversation, but no one saw it like that. The first to leave Spotify was Neil Young; he felt that the platform wasn’t doing enough to help decrease the rise in Covid-19 cases, therefore, Neil Young gave Spotify an ultimatum, “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” Young said. But Spotify chose Rogan. 

Another artist that left the platform was India Arie, and she is not only leaving Spotify because of Joe Rogan’s Covid comments “but over racial comments and his paygrade,” Arie says. According to ibtimes, Rogan’s pay grade was reported to be $100 million by CNN. 

Arie has had enough and says “This shows the type of company they are and the company that they keep. I’m tired.” Her dislike for Rogan is more than just Covid comment “For me it’s also his language around race.” Arie tweeted. According to ibtimes, she feels directed and feels that she and other artists are being unfairly treated. “Paying musicians a fraction of a penny? And HIM $100M?” Inspired by Neil Young, India Arie has finally decided to be done with the platform for good.

While artists leave Spotify and take their music, several celebrities have shown their support for Joe Rogan, including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin James,  Jewels, Jamie Kennedy, Tulsi Gabbard, Troy Aikman, Kat Von D, and more.