Kanye West’s anti-Semitic remarks on social media and during interview appearances have caused numerous brands and companies to cut ties with him immediately because they do not support his moral views or comments.
Because the rapper is a musician, many fans have wondered if his music will continue to be available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify. The music mogul recently addressed the issue.
Daniel Ek, the CEO of the Swedish-based company, told Reuters that they would not remove the rapper’s music from their platform.
Although they all agree that West’s behavior online and in interviews is “awful,” his music does not violate any of the platform’s anti-hate policies.
He could be kicked off the platform only if he ever released hateful songs or podcast episodes.
Ek said:
“It’s really just his music, and his music doesn’t violate our policy.”
Then he clarified that another way for his songs to be removed from the streaming app is if his record label wishes to.
From 2002 to 2016, Def Jam, West’s label under Universal Music, owned the copyright to the rapper’s songs. They were collaborating with West until last year.
In response to the musician’s recent actions, the record label stated that “antisemitism has no place in our society.”
Kanye West’s songs are available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.
The interview comes just a few days after Ari Emanuel called companies to cut ties with the rapper due to his anti-Semitic remarks in a Financial Times column.
He wrote:
“There should be no tolerance anywhere for West’s anti-Semitism.”
He said that the Yeezy founder has a significant impact on the world because he is a “pop culture icon,” and his fans are young people whose “views are still being formed.”
According to reports, TJ Maxx is the latest retailer to cut ties with the rapper, as announced on Wednesday.
The retailer told CNN Business that it does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or “hate of any kind.”
The brand had already instructed its purchasing teams not to buy West’s merchandise in any of its stores worldwide.