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The never-ending controversy of podcaster Joe Rogan continues. And the latest chapter has a conservative video-sharing site, Rumble, offering Joe Rogan $100 million to create his content there.

Joe Rogan started out as a stand-up comedian then became a mixed-martial artist at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). But in recent years he has grown a massive internet following.

The libertarian-leaning anti-establishment Rogan has an estimated 11 million listeners per episode of his podcast on Spotify. The Joe Rogan Experience may be the most “listened to” show in the world.

Originally the embattled internet star was attacked for his stance on COVID-19. He had interviewed doctors and scientists who didn’t agree with mainstream narratives on the pandemic. To be fair he has also interviewed doctors and scientists that are entirely mainstream.

But in the age of “cancel culture,” the problems were just beginning.

Mainstream scientists and medical professionals were urging the platform to remove Rogan to prevent him from spreading COVID falsehoods.

Musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell demanded Rogan stop putting out misleading coronavirus information. Neil Young said if Rogan stayed on Spotify he wanted off. And his music was removed per his request. 

Rogan apologized and said he would try to have opposing voices interviewed closer to each other in the future. Last week he promised his listeners more balance and better research for his podcasts.

And Spotify added a "content advisory" to any episode featuring discussion of COVID-19 as scientists and medical professionals urged the platform to prevent Rogan from spreading falsehoods.

UPDATE: According to a story in the USA Herald Joe Rogan announced at an Austin comedy club that he's sticking with Spotify!

Podcaster Joe Rogan Apologetic 

Then on Friday a video compilation of Rogan using the N-word went viral on social media.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, Rogan described the video as “horrible.” And claims it is the “most regretful and shameful thing” he’s ever discussed.

Rogan apologized for using the racial slur in early episodes of his podcast.

Rogan made the decision to take down over 100 videos after discussions with the platform.

Spotify brought Rogan on by paying him more than $100 million for exclusive rights to his show. However, Rogan retained full creative control. And that means Spotify can’t take down his episodes unless they violate its content guidelines.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Apologetic

Spotify Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek issued a statement. He apologized to staff for the impact the controversy has had on them. And emphasized again that he didn’t agree with calls to boot the podcaster off Spotify.

“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,” Ek emphasized. “I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard.”

“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,” Ek said in the letter, which was reported earlier by The Hollywood Reporter. 

“I want to make one point very clear -- I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer,” Ek wrote. “We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but canceling voices is a slippery slope.”

He did not directly mention the comedian’s use of the N-word. But Ek said Spotify would invest $100 million “for the licensing, development and marketing of music and audio content from historically marginalized groups.”

Spotify is the new kid on the block. They only entered the podcasting business three years ago. And since they acquired Rogan, they have increased the value of the platform. 

It now hosts around 3.6 million shows. And produces some of those shows. And licenses others. 

Rumble joins the fray

Podcaster Joe Rogan and Spotify seemed to be in agreement. And the never-ending controversies begin again.

Conservative leaning Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski tweeted at Rogan on Monday. The company says it's "ready to fight alongside" him should he decide to leave Spotify.

"How about you bring all your shows to Rumble, both old and new, with no censorship, for 100 million bucks over four years? This is our chance to save the world. And yes, this is totally legit," Pavlovski said in his Twitter post. 

With the news, shares of CF Acquisition VI, the SPAC that has an agreement to take Rumble public surged more than 18%. According to Business Insider as of December 2021 Rumble has a value of $2.1 billion.

Canada-based Rumble also has an agreement to use its platform for video and streaming for Truth Social, Trump's proposed social media app.

Rumble has received funding from conservative backers including Narya Capital, backed in part by "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance, and billionaire Trump supporter Peter Thiel. The Wall Street Journal reported a May funding round to be "around $500 million," more than plenty to back up Monday's offer.