Spotify Boss Speaks Out On Kanye West's Comments And Why The Service Won't Remove His Music

Kanye West has experienced a slew of business losses in the aftermath of his controversial interview on "Drink Champs." During the discussion, the rapper made anti-Semitic comments along with other statements that have been condemned by the likes of Howard Stern and more. Major corporations have since cut ties with him, with much of the public calling for others to do the same. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, whose service houses West’s musical catalogue, is one of those who’s under pressure to take action. Amid that, the exec is speaking out on West’s comments as well as explaining why the company won’t be removing the embattled performer’s tracks. When Daniel Ek discussed Ye’s comments this week, he referred to them as “just awful.” Ek, however, also stated to Reuters that his company would not be removing the artist’s music because the tracks themselves don’t violate the organization’s anti-hate speech policies. The CEO further explained that there would only be grounds for removal if the anti-Semitic remarks were featured on a podcast or recording that’s present on Spotify. Ek says that at this point, only one entity has the power to take the tunes down.