FOLLOW US

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.