Joe Rogan’s $100m offer to leave Spotify by video-sharing site, Rumble

Controversial podcast host Joe Rogan has been offered a huge deal by a right-wing video-sharing site to leave Spotify.

Controversial podcast host Joe Rogan has been offered a $100 million deal to leave Spotify, as the scandal over his Covid views and past racism continues.

The huge paycheck came from Rumble, the right-wing US-based video-sharing platform.

Rumble’s chief executive Chris Pavlovski confirmed the offer in a public pledge to Rogan, who is under fire for spreading Covid misinformation on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, and faces increasing calls for Spotify to axe the program.

“We stand with you, your guests, and your legion (of) fans in desire for real conversation,” the letter from Pavlovski read.

“So we’d like to offer you 100 million reasons to make the world a better place.

“How about you bring all your shows to Rumble, both old and new, with no censorship for 100 million bucks over four years?

“This is our chance to save the world. And yes, this is totally legit.”

Hey @joerogan, we are ready to fight alongside you. See the note from our CEO @chrispavlovski... pic.twitter.com/G7ahfNNjtP

— Rumble (@rumblevideo) February 7, 2022

‘SLIPPERY SLOPE’

It came as Spotify’s chief executive has explained why the streaming platform won’t silence Joe Rogan amid a public push to cancel its biggest podcast star.

In an internal company memo, Spotify chief executive Daniel Ek told employees that he does “not believe silencing Joe is the answer”.

It came after the latest attempt to cancel the hugely popular podcaster with a video compilation of the comedian using the “n-word” racial slur throughout the podcast’s back catalogue.

Joe Rogan apologised for using racial slurs in past podcast episodes. Picture: AFP.

Mr Ek said the company would look at further “user safety” measures and invest in more artists from “marginalised groups”.

“We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but cancelling voices is a slippery slope,” he stated, in the internal memo.

“Looking at the issue more broadly, it’s critical thinking and open debate that powers real necessary progress.”

Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, has spoken out against cancel culture. Picture: AFP.

Rogan issued an apology and removed 100 episodes from Spotify after the viral video, created by a Democratic-party aligned activist group Patriot Takes.

The activist group, which monitors rival media and partners with political fundraising group Meidas Touch, claimed responsibility for creating to clip compilation and said Spotify is an “inherently racist company” if they don’t fire Rogan as a result.

“Enough is enough. Joe Rogan’s apology in response to our Twitter posts rings hollow,” the group said in a tweet. “Spotify undoubtedly has a ‘moral clause’ in its contract with Joe Rogan, which would permit his termination ‘for cause’, We call on Spotify to immediately terminate Joe Rogan if Spotify has any morals.”

Mr Ek told Spotify staff he “strongly condemns” what Rogan said in the clips, and as a result, has offered to fund artists from “marginalised groups” to the tune of $US100 million – close to the amount of Rogan’s contract with the company.

"The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast is viewed on Spotify's mobile app. Several artists removed their music from Spotify in protest of hosting the Picture: Getty Images.

Mr Ek also revealed that Rogan removed the 100 podcast episodes in response to the company’s direct discussions with the comedian about the slurs seen in the viral video.

“I think it’s important you’re aware that we’ve had conversations with Joe and his team about some of the content in his show, including his history of using some racially insensitive language,” he wrote.

“One of the things I am thinking about is what additional steps we can take to further balance creator expression with user safety. I’ve asked out reams to expand the number of outside experts we consult with on these efforts and look forward to sharing more details.”

The company has already begun its “user safety” efforts with Covid-19 “advisory” disclaimers on episodes containing pandemic content that runs contrary to what is currently accepted in the mainstream discourse, including his interview with Dr Robert Malone — who made claims about hospitals rejecting treatment options for profit.

Following the episode, prominent musicians including Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills and Nash, removed their songs from Spotify after giving the service an ultimatum over Rogan.

Neil Young demanded in an open letter to Spotify to remove his music from the platform for hosting Joe Rogan. Picture: AFP.