The continued Joe Rogan/Spotify controversy has taken yet one more flip — this time within the type of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson siding with the podcast host.
Followers of the previous wrestler have been divided after Johnson shared some phrases of encouragement on a video that Rogan had posted in response to the fallout.
Within the video, Rogan mentioned he would “perhaps strive tougher to get individuals with differing opinions,” after a number of musicians, together with Joni Mitchell and Neil Younger, pulled their music from the streaming service, citing what Younger known as Rogan’s vaccine “disinformation.”
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In response to the video, Johnson wrote: “Nice stuff right here, brother. Completely articulated.”
He added that he appears to be like ahead to “approaching in the future and breaking out the tequila with you.”
Followers of Dwayne Johnson are divided over his help for Joe Rogan.
Screengrab / Instagram
“So dissatisfied in you, however at the least we see your true colors now,” one fan wrote underneath Johnson’s remark.
“Wow disappointing. Possibly it is best to go and discuss to a few of the frontline well being staff as an alternative of listening to this nonsense,” shared one other.
Others praised Johnson.
“Please make this podcast occur!!” wrote one fan underneath Johnson’s remark.
One other mentioned: “Good to see the rock (sic) help one other good human being on this combat for freedom and data.”
Rogan has not been shy about sharing his opinions on COVID-19, touting ivermectin and exploring anti-vaccine theories on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Expertise.
The 54-year-old contracted COVID-19 in September 2021, and needed to cancel his April present in Vancouver as a result of he’s not vaccinated and may’t get previous the province’s proof-of-vaccination legal guidelines for indoor occasions.
Younger penned an open letter final week, requesting that his music be faraway from Spotify for so long as The Joe Rogan Expertise is on the streaming service.
Younger, 76, posted the letter (since deleted) to his private website, saying that he doesn’t need to characteristic his music on the platform alongside Rogan’s podcast, which, in line with the musician, spreads “disinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.”
“I’m doing this as a result of Spotify is spreading faux details about vaccines — doubtlessly inflicting demise to those that consider the disinformation being unfold by them,” he wrote. “Please act on this instantly in the present day and maintain me knowledgeable of the time schedule.”
Final weekend, Mitchell introduced she’s going to take away all of her music from Spotify in solidarity with Younger, and Britain’s Prince Harry and his spouse, Meghan, who’ve signed a multi-year deal to supply and host podcasts for Spotify underneath their manufacturing firm Archewell Audio, additionally urged Spotify to tame virus misinformation.
Earlier, tons of of scientists, professors and public well being consultants requested Spotify to take away a Dec. 31, 2021 episode wherein Rogan featured Dr. Robert Malone, an infectious-disease specialist who has been banned from Twitter for spreading COVID-19 misinformation.
In a publish Sunday, Spotify chief govt Daniel Ek laid out extra clear platform guidelines given the backlash stirred by Younger.
“Personally, there are many people and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly,” wrote Ek. “It is very important me that we don’t tackle the place of being content material censor whereas additionally ensuring that there are guidelines in place and penalties for individuals who violate them.”
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Ek mentioned the advisories will hyperlink to Spotify’s fact-based COVID-19 hub in what he described as a “new effort to fight misinformation.” It would roll out within the coming days, Ek mentioned. He didn’t particularly reference Rogan or Younger.
In his video, Rogan mentioned he welcomes the concept of content material advisories earlier than podcasts that debate COVID-19.
“Certain, have that on there. I’m very proud of that,” he mentioned.
— With information from International Information’ Chris Jancelewicz and The Canadian Press
© 2022 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
