Podcaster Joe Rogan’s deal with Spotify was worth at least $200 million, double what was initially reported, two people familiar with the deal told The New York Times.
The deal, signed in 2020 and covering a span of three and a half years, was worth at least $200 million with the potential for more money, the two sources told the newspaper.
Controversy sparked last month over COVID-19 misinformation on Rogan’s popular podcast, to which Spotify purchased exclusive rights, after a coalition of doctors and science educators urged the streaming platform to take action against “The Joe Rogan Experience” because of its content. Multiple artists, beginning with Neil Young, have since asked Spotify to remove their music over the issue.
Earlier this month, years-old videos of Rogan using racial slurs resurfaced, prompting further criticism and a social media campaign calling for people to boycott Spotify.
Rogan issued an apology for his use of the slurs, and more than 70 episodes of his podcast were quietly pulled from Spotify amid the mounting controversy. In a memo to employees, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said Rogan had personally chosen to remove the episodes from the platform.
“We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but canceling voices is a slippery slope,” Ek said in the memo. “Looking at the issue more broadly, it’s critical thinking and open debate that powers real and necessary progress.”
The Hill has reached out to Spotify for comment.