Spotify removes R Kelly from playlists

As part of Spotify’s new "Hate Content & Hateful Conduct" policy, they have chosen to remove the artist R Kelly from all playlists on their music streaming service.

But don’t worry, you can still find him on there, it’s just that Spotify won’t be actively promoting him. In a recent interview with the BBC, Spotify told them:

“We want our editorial decisions - what we choose to program - to reflect our values. We are removing R. Kelly's music from all Spotify-owned and operated playlists and algorithmic recommendations, such as Discover Weekly.”

Spotify’s new "Hate Content & Hateful Conduct" policy is designed to "be consistent with our distinct roles in music and media", and as R Kelly was recently the centre of the #MuteRKelly campaign, which called for the singer to be boycotted after years of sexual assault allegations, he has been removed under this new policy.

Spotify describes hate content as:

“Content that expressly and principally promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence against a group or individual based on characteristics, including, race, religion, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.”