Spotify Removes Controversial Andrew Tate Podcast Amid Employee Backlash

NEW YORK, NY — Spotify has removed a podcast featuring Andrew Tate that promoted misogynistic views following significant backlash from its employees and a public petition with over 92,000 signatures. The course, titled “Pimping Hoes,” was taken down this week after internal staff communications revealed deep concern among employees about hosting the content.

Internal discussions on a company Slack channel indicated that several Spotify employees were disturbed by the audio streaming service’s association with Tate, known for his promotion of misogyny and questionable beliefs. One employee expressed dismay, stating, “Pretty vile that we’re hosting Andrew Tate’s content,” linking to an external criticism of the platform’s decision.

The removal of the podcast comes after Spotify received over 276 direct complaints regarding the content, which has been characterized as a violation of the company’s community guidelines. A Spotify spokesperson clarified, “The content in question was removed because it violated our policies, not because of employee discussion.”

Despite the removal of the “Pimping Hoes” course, several other Tate podcasts remain accessible on the platform, including episodes that continue to propagate controversial themes around dating and relationships. Critics argue these teachings further perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women.

In a petition targeting Spotify’s practices, users argued that such content actively teaches men to manipulate and exploit women. One user, who publicly canceled their Spotify subscription over Tate’s course, stated, “Andrew Tate’s content gives people a playbook for coercive control and sexual manipulation — I can’t continue to give that company money each month.”

Tate, along with his brother Tristan, faces serious allegations including rape and human trafficking in Romania. Both have denied these accusations, claiming they are targets due to their wealth and influence. Tate was quoted saying, “I’m sure at the end we’ll be absolutely exonerated.”

The ongoing controversy is reminiscent of previous challenges faced by Spotify, including musician Neil Young’s 2022 decision to pull his catalog from the platform over Joe Rogan’s podcast, which Young deemed as spreading misinformation. Young has since returned to Spotify after a re-distribution of Rogan’s show to other platforms.

As Spotify navigates this backlash, the discourse around the platform’s content moderation policies is likely to intensify, especially concerning controversial figures like Andrew Tate.