And I want to make one point very clear – I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer. While I strongly condemn what Joe has said and I agree with his decision to remove past episodes from our platform, I realize some will want more.

He also issued his own apology over the weekend. Following these discussions and his own reflections, he chose to remove a number of episodes from Spotify. I think it’s important you’re aware that we’ve had conversations with Joe and his team about some of the content in his show, including his history of using some racially insensitive language. I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard. 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. There are no words I can say to adequately convey how deeply sorry I am for the way The Joe Rogan Experience controversy continues to impact each of you. “While some might want us to pursue a different path, I believe that more speech on more issues can be highly effective in improving the status quo and enhancing the conversation altogether,” Ek said. In his letter to staff, Ek said he would be committing to an “incremental investment of $100 million for the licensing, development, and marketing of music (artists and songwriters) and audio content from historically marginalized groups” to boost “all types of creators,” including those from underrepresented backgrounds. The site noted that a total of 113 episodes - which includes the 71 taken down on Friday - have been removed from Spotify. On Friday, 71 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience were removed from Spotify, according to the website JRE Missing, which tracks when the podcast episodes are missing from the streaming platform. Last Thursday, the musician India.Arie - who has said she will remove her music and podcast from Spotify in protest of Rogan’s comments about race - resurfaced a compilation of video clips showing Rogan using the racial slur and describing being with Black people as akin to “Planet of the Apes.” The podcaster apologized over the weekend, calling his comments “regretful and shameful.” Spotify Finds New Managing Director for Gimlet Following Lydia Polgreen's Exit

Joe rogan spotify episodes removed