Joe Rogan's Prior Use of N-Word Sparks More Criticism, Defenses of Free Speech

Popular podcaster Joe Rogan, the content of his show and his $100 million contract with Spotify continue to drive debate about free speech, misinformation and the media business.

Musician Neil Young and others called for Spotify to remove their music last month, with Young accusing the platform and Rogan of spreading COVID-19 misinformation. Then, a compilation of Rogan using the N-word in previous podcasts went viral. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek told employees he was "deeply sorry" if anyone was offended but that "canceling voices is a slippery slope." Seventy episodes of Rogan's show were removed from Spotify last week. Rogan apologized for using the slur but said "he never used it to be racist because I'm not racist."

Voices across the spectrum highlighted how Spotify "knew what it was getting" with Rogan and how his popularity and contract likely makes it hard for them to justify firing him. Left-rated voices often highlighted examples of Rogan using the slur, purportedly spreading COVID-19 misinformation, and aligning with the far-right. One essay from New York Times Opinion (Left bias) criticized Rogan while also advocating for free speech and pointing to broader COVID-19 misinformation issues. Right-rated voices typically downplayed the situation and framed it as a win for free speech; some highlighted how Rogan usually used the slur when quoting others rather than using it organically. Others remained critical of Ek and Rogan for purportedly failing to adequately condemn efforts to cancel Rogan's show.