Spotify Called On To Continue Removing Artists Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

Last week, R. Kelly and XXXtentacion were barred from Spotify‘s “editorial or algorithmic playlists” as part of the platform’s new Hate Content & Hateful Conduct policy. Past accusations of sexual misconduct on the part of both artists led to the decision.

“When an artist or creator does something that is especially harmful or hateful, it may affect the ways we work with or support that artist or creator,” Spotify told Billboard.

However, soon following that decision, many people began to question why these artists were being singled out and not others who have been accused of sexual misconduct in the past or more recently. Women’s advocacy group UltraViolet is now urging Spotify to follow up on its promise and do the same with other artists accused of sexual abuse.

As revealed by Consequence of Sound, “In an open letter, UltraViolet executive director Shaunna Thomas specifically calls out the likes of Chris Brown, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nelly, Eminem, Don Henley of The Eagles, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Tekashi 6ix9ine, and Ted Nugent, citing them as artists ‘who continue to profit from your promotion.'”

If Spotify is going to say that it takes these issues seriously, it has to treat all artists equally, even if they’re big artists like the ones mentioned previously.

You can read the open letter from UltraViolet here.