- Opinion
- 03 Feb 22
More entertainers condemn Joe Rogan for spreading Covid-19 misinformation, while support for the Spotify podcast host mounts.
Hollywood legend Sharon Stone joins the list of those condemning Joe Rogan after recent controversy surrounding his Spotify-exclusive podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Stone said, "Covid is not an opinion-based situation and Mr. Rogan thinking that his opinion or disclaimer for the lives he personally has affected and caused losses of – it’s not an opinion."
Rogan, mixed martial arts commentator turned conservative podcast host, has been under fire after being accused of spreading dangerous misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. Since, there has been an exodus of big-name artists from the streaming site, including Joni Mitchell and Nils Lofgren, spearheaded by Neil Young.
Rogan responded Sunday night with a video posted to his Instagram. "I pledge to balance out the more controversial viewpoints with other people’s perspective...I want to show all kinds of opinions," he said. "My point was to create interesting conversations, and ones people enjoy. If I’ve pissed you off, I’m sorry. And if you enjoy the podcast, thank you."
The host also mentioned his approval of new Spotify Covid-19 content warnings, as well as his remorse about the artist's boycott. A self described "Neil Young fan," he said that he was "very sorry" about the musicians departure from the platform. "I most certainly don't want that," he said.
The post's comments were full of support, with Dwayne Johnson commenting, "Great stuff here brother. Perfectly articulated. Look forward to coming on one day and breaking out the tequila with you.”
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Kat Von D, American singer-songwriter Jewel and former American presidential candidate Marianne Williamson also joined the chorus.
"I’m triple vaxxed, but (unless they’re standing for hate or calling for violence) banning someone’s podcast is too much like burning a book to me," Williamson said. "Joe Rogan should talk on his podcast about whatever he damn well pleases."
While the controversy has split the musical community down the middle, it's also bringing some back together. David Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills have rejoined after a bitter breakup in a statement against the podcast-host, asking their label to remove their catalogues (both solo and group) from Spotify.
"While we always value alternate points of view, knowingly spreading disinformation during this global pandemic has deadly consequences. Until real action is taken to show that a concern for humanity must be balanced with commerce, we don’t want our music — or the music we made together — to be on the same platform," they said.