Spotify is facing calls for a boycott once again after Joe Rogan recently voiced support for the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections.
The controversial podcast host recently said he felt business owners who were forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic should vote for GOP candidates in the fall. His comments came during a Saturday episode of Spotify’s The Joe Rogan Experience, which featured NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a guest.
Occupy Democrats, a liberal political organization and media outlet urged people to boycott Spotify following Rogan’s remarks. The streaming giant has faced boycotts in the past over Rogan’s COVID-related content, including from prominent musicians such as Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.
“We had never had this before,” Rogan said about COVID-19 during the episode. “No one that was alive today had ever experienced a true pandemic, and I’m hoping that now that this is over, people are going to recognize that some serious errors were made and not repeat those.”
He added, “As far as compensation for all of those people that were forced to close their businesses and keep their doors shuttered and lost everything they had worked for decades to build—no, they’re just going to be angry.”
Rodgers, who has endured his own share of COVID-19 controversies, asked what should those people do who closed their businesses.
“Vote Republican,” Rogan answered.
