India.Arie has joined a growing group of musicians who are pulling their music from Spotify, but unlike them, she’s got a different reason for doing so.
Rock legend Neil Young started the movement, pulling his music from the streaming service because it hosts Joe Rogan‘s wildly popular podcast, and Young feels Rogan is spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccine.
Fellow music legend Joni Mitchell then joined Young, citing the same reason. Young’s Crosby, Stills & Nash band mate Graham Nash said he agrees with Young and he’s requested that his “solo recordings” removed from Spotify.
But on Instagram, India writes, “Neil Young opened a door I MUST walk through. I believe in freedom of speech. However, I find Joe Rogan problematic for reasons other than his Covid interviews. For me, it’s also his language around race.”
“What I am talking about is respect — who gets it and who doesn’t,” she continues. “Paying musicians a fraction of a penny? And him $100 [million]? This shows the type of company they are and the company that they keep. I’m tired.”
India captioned the post, “I wonder who else is tired.”
On Monday, Rogan posted a video in which he denies “trying to promote misinformation,” adding, “I’m not trying to be controversial. I’ve never tried to do anything with this podcast other than just talk to people and have interesting conversations.”
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