Comedian Stewart Lee has reportedly become the latest artist to withdraw his material from Spotify in protest at Covid misinformation being spread on the platform.
Musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell last week withdrew their work from the streaming giant after Spotify stood by high-profile podcast host Joe Rogan, whose show has given airtime to Covid vaccine sceptics.
The row had already escalated on Tuesday when White House press secretary Jen Psaki said “more can be done” by Spotify to tackle the spread of coronavirus misinformation.
Lee said in quotes reported by chortle.co.uk : “I am fully aware this will make no financial difference to Spotify whatsoever, but for too long internet platforms have been able to spread lies with impunity, free from the checks and balances that govern traditional publishers and broadcasters, and their efforts to correct this still do not go for enough.
“Perhaps artists big and small can band together to do something to change this where the money men won’t.
“The misinformation mongers Spotify are intrinsically at odds with the core values of the Stewart Lee brand.”
Lee's stand-up albums '41st Best Stand Up Ever', 'If You Prefer A Milder Comedian Please Ask For One' and 'Carpet Remnant World' are all hosted on Spotify.
On Sunday Spotify boss Daniel Ek issued a statement saying the platform was working to add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about Covid-19.
At a White House press briefing on Monday Ms Psaki was asked about the actions of the streaming giant.
“Our hope is that all major tech platforms — and all major news sources, for that matter — be responsible and be vigilant to ensure the American people have access to accurate information on something as significant as Covid-19,” she said.
“And that certainly includes Spotify.
“So, this disclaimer — it’s a positive step. But we want every platform to continue doing more to call out misinformation while also uplifting accurate information.
“Ultimately…our view is it’s a good step, it’s a positive step, but there’s more that can be done.”
Following the controversy Rogan has said he will try to “balance out” the opinions expressed on his show.
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