Hundreds of scientists have just declared war on Joe Rogan and now Spotify is stuck in the crossfire.270 professors, scientists, doctors, and health care workers have signed an open letter to the popular podcast distributor this week, calling for the platform to address the constant spread of COVID-19 misinformation by one of its most popular programs, The Joe Rogan Experience.The letter slammed the show’s homophobic host for “broadcasting misinformation, particularly regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.” It further called on Spotify to “take action against mass-misinformation events”, but stopped short of making any recommendations for discipline.Related: Joe Rogan And His Stupid ‘Faggot’ Twitter Feud Over Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipCNBC further reports that much of the letter focuses on a December 31 broadcast in which Rogan featured Dr.
Robert Malone as the guest. Twitter recently banned Malone for spreading misinformation regarding the pandemic. During the broadcast, he told Rogan there had been an “explosion of vaccine-associated deaths,” and insinuated that the pandemic is little more than a cash grab by pharmaceutical companies.Both The Associated Press and fact-checking outlet PolitiFact immediately identified Malone’s claims as false.
YouTube has already removed a video of the podcast, citing its policies against the spread of misinformation.“Dr. Malone’s interview has reached many tens of millions of listeners vulnerable to predatory medical misinformation,” the letter said.