In the latest episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan said that the recent backlash and criticism he’s been receiving is part of a “political hit job” against him, Varietyreports. Rogan’s comments arrive after a compilation video of him using the n-word multiple times went viral.
On the Tuesday episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan addressed the video, which shows the comedian saying the n-word across a series of different podcast episodes and clips. Rogan believes that many of the clips were being taken out of context as a means to slander him.
“In a lot of ways, this is a relief,” Rogan said. “That video had always been out there. This is a political hit job. They’re taking all this stuff I’ve ever said that’s wrong and smushing it all together. It’s good because it makes me address some stuff that I really wish wasn’t out there.”
Rogan posted an apology video on Instagram addressing the supercut of his comments. He also addressed a clip that went viral from an old podcast episode where he compares Detroit to Planet of the Apes. Rogan added on Tuesday that people “should apologize if you regret something.” He continued, “I do think you have to be careful not to apologize for nonsense.”
Rogan’s apology, and Spotify’s decision to remove over 100 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, prompted Trevor Noah to share his thoughts about Rogan on the Daily Show, where he said that neither the comedian nor the streamer’s actions counted as taking accountability.
“It’s not real accountability,” Noah said. “It’s how rich dudes get out of car accidents when they know that it was their fault. … And Spotify can say that Rogan’s comments don’t represent the company’s values, they said ‘these podcasts do not represent Spotify’s values.’ But when companies say that, I’m like, ‘Guys, clearly the company’s values are making money.’ And no shade by the way, those are the values of every company. Part of me wishes that Spotify would just drop the facade. Just come out and be like, ‘We do not believe in silencing Joe Rogan, because he makes us money. But if at some point he ends up costing us money, then we will drop him, because money.’”
Following a statement released by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, the streamer will continue to work with Rogan and will also be putting up $100 million to develop and market content from marginalized groups.
Prior to the video of Rogan using the n-word went viral, Neil Young asked for his music to be removed from Spotify over the comedian “spreading fake information about vaccines.” The streamer eventually agreed to remove his music.
