Joe Rogan, host of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” returned to the stand-up stage this week in Texas where he mocked recent left-wing attempts to cancel him.
Included in the things that he mocked was the controversy involving his past use of a racial slur, which went viral several days ago after a Left-wing group highlighted instances where he used the word–instances that Rogan says were taken out of context.
“I haven’t used that word in years,” Rogan said. “But it’s kind of weird people will get really mad if you use that word and tweet about it on a phone that’s made by slaves.”
The political Left, including the Biden administration, pushed hard for a couple of weeks to get Spotify to take action against Rogan for what they claimed was misinformation related the pandemic.
The controversy then moved from alleged misinformation to his past use of a racial slur, which led to him issuing an apology.
Former President Donald Trump said in a statement late this week that Rogan needed to stop apologizing to the political left because that made him look “weak and frightened.”
“Joe Rogan is an interesting and popular guy, but he’s got to stop apologizing to the Fake News and Radical Left maniacs and lunatics,” Trump said. “How many ways can you say you’re sorry? Joe, just go about what you do so well and don’t let them make you look weak and frightened. That’s not you and it never will be!”
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis also weighed in on the matter, saying that Rogan should not have apologized.
“The mob will come after people, and they’re targeting Rogan because he’s threatening to upset the apple cart on some of the things that they’re holding dear,” DeSantis said. “And with COVID, he’s just bringing opposing views. He’s letting people decide. They say he’s against [the COVID vaccine]. I do not listen to his show, but then I read he specifically advocated for people with co-morbidities and elderly to get vaccinated.” DeSantis said.
“I think a lot of the legacy outlets and I think the left fear the fact that he can reach so many people, and so they’re out to destroy him,” DeSantis continued. But what I would say is don’t give an inch. Do not apologize. Do not kow to the mob. Stand up and tell them to pound sand; if you do that, there’s really nothing that they’re able to do to you. The only way they have power is if you let them get your goat.”
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek released a statement on Sunday announcing that the company would stand by Rogan following an “n-word” controversy.
“While I strongly condemn what Joe has said and I agree with his decision to remove past episodes from our platform, I realize some will want more. And I want to make one point very clear – I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer,” Ek said. “We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but canceling voices is a slippery slope. Looking at the issue more broadly, it’s critical thinking and open debate that powers real and necessary progress.”
Ek said in the note to staff that it was Rogan’s decision to remove dozens of episodes of “The Joe Rogan Experience” from Spotify.