In Wake of Allegations, Spotify Makes Big R. Kelly Move

Controversial singer will not be promoted on the streaming service
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted May 10, 2018 12:05 PM CDT
Spotify Takes One Step to #MuteRKelly
In this 2015 photo, R. Kelly performs the national anthem before an NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

As allegations against R. Kelly and calls to #MuteRKelly mount, Spotify made a big move starting Thursday: It will no longer promote the R&B singer's music. That means that while Kelly's music will still be available on Spotify, it will not appear on any of the playlists the streaming service puts together. "We are removing R. Kelly’s music from all Spotify owned and operated playlists and algorithmic recommendations such as Discover Weekly," Spotify tells Billboard in a statement. The move is part of a wider policy change as the company implements a new "Hate Content & Hateful Conduct" policy that promises to see such content removed or not promoted. (The latest allegations against Kelly are here.)

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