Spotify reverses anti-hate policy that saw R Kelly's music pulled from playlists

Controversial guidelines led streaming service to shun promotion of several artists over abuse allegations

The music streaming service says it is ‘moving away’ from policies on artist conduct (PA)

Spotify has backpedalled on its recent anti-hate policy, which saw some artists dropped from its curated playlists, following criticism from music industry figures.

In a blog post, the streaming service said the new guidelines announced in May “created confusion and concern”, adding it “didn’t spend enough time getting input from our own team”.

Spotify had dropped R Kelly’s music from its playlists following a string of sexual abuse allegations, which the R&B singer has strongly denied.

Rapper XXXTentacion also saw his songs cut from playlists as a result of the policy. The 20-year-old is awaiting trial over claims he beat his pregnant girlfriend.

XXXTentacion has pleaded not guilty to the charges, while R Kelly has not been convicted of any crimes despite a string of allegations surrounding sexual misconduct.

“Spotify has the right to promote whatever music it chooses, and in this case its actions are without merit,” said Kelly’s management at the time the policy was announced.

“It is acting based on false and unproven allegations. It is bowing to social media fads and picking sides in a fame-seeking dispute over matters that have nothing to do with serving customers.”

Spotify’s decision was controversial and while some praised the move, others argued it was targeting specific artists.

The company now says it is “moving away from implementing a policy around artist conduct”.

Spotify did not officially say it would begin promoting XXXTentacion and R Kelly’s music, although XXXTentacion songs have been reinstated on Spotify’s popular Rap Caviar playlist.

Women’s advocacy group UltraViolet, which praised Spotify when it announced the policy, criticised the firm’s decision.

“When music platforms promote abusers, they allow those abusers to reap in profits, lining their pockets in royalties and expanding their fan bases,” said Shaunna Thomas, UltraViolet co-founder and executive director.

“This normalises violence against women. Spotify’s values are now clear for all to see: abusers take priority over survivors of their crimes. We will not forget their decision.”

Additional reporting by AP