Joe Rogan Claims Two Former Presidents Called Spotify Amid Controversy

Los Angeles, CA – Popular podcaster Joe Rogan claimed on a recent episode that two former U.S. presidents reached out to Spotify in 2022, amid backlash over his discussions on COVID-19. Rogan’s remarks were made during an appearance with physician Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, where he discussed the scrutiny surrounding his show and the spread of alleged misinformation.

Spotify drew criticism for allowing Rogan, a high-profile figure known for his skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines, to host discussions that some deemed misleading. Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young notably removed his music from the platform in protest, stating he did not want to share space with Rogan’s views.

“And then all of a sudden, I hear that Neil Young wants me removed from Spotify. I was like, ‘What the f— is going on? This is crazy,’” Rogan recounted on his podcast.

Rogan noted that Spotify received calls from two former presidents during this tumultuous period, although he did not disclose their identities. The controversy grew as then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki commented on Spotify’s responsibilities. “Our hope is that all major tech platforms…be responsible and vigilant to ensure the American people have access to accurate information,” she emphasized.

Despite the backlash, Rogan reported growth in his audience, stating he added 2 million new subscribers in just a month. “People started listening…‘Oh, he’s really reasonable and pretty humble about all this stuff and just asking questions,’” he said, describing the situation as a “wake-up call.”

Rogan also defended his views, including the use of Ivermectin during his COVID-19 illness, highlighting his recovery after three days amidst the Delta variant. He critiqued the media’s portrayal of his treatment, saying, “I’m, like, ‘Why aren’t you guys concentrating on the fact that a 55-year-old man is fine three days later?”

The Spotify CEO addressed the criticism during an earning call, stating, “We don’t change our policies based on one creator…Our policies have been carefully written…and I do believe they’re right for our platform.” Rogan continues to host guests with varying opinions, including prominent figures like Donald Trump, despite the ongoing debates surrounding his content.