Spotify Removes R. Kelly From its Playlists

In a new policy about “hate content” streaming service giant Spotify has removed the artist R. Kelly from its playlists.

R. Kelly’s music will no longer be available on the company’s playlists as well as algorithmic recommendations.

The artist was accused of sexual misconduct last year with allegations that he kept young women in a cult atmosphere. R. Kelly has denied these allegations.

While R. Kelly’s music will still be available on the service, Spotify will not actually promote it.

The company has a new policy against “something that is especially harmful or hateful.” This includes violence against children and sexual violence.

Kelly’s management team has said, “R. Kelly never has been accused of hate, and the lyrics he writes express love and desire.”

“Meanwhile, though, Spotify promotes numerous other artists who are convicted felons, others who have been arrested on charges of domestic violence and artists who sing lyrics that are violent and anti-women in nature.”

“Mr. Kelly falls into none of these categories, and it is unfortunate and shortsighted that Spotify fails to recognize this,” his team concluded.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) and have not been compensated for this article.