5 hours ago
2
Spotify has removed an Andrew Tate podcast after complaints from staff and users.
The “degree course” by the misogynist influencer titled “pimping hoes” was deemed to be in breach of the company’s rules and removed.
Spotify declined to comment. However, it is understood several podcasts have been removed from the service this week, including the “pimping hoes” course.
The takedowns were first reported by the tech news site 404 Media, which alleged that some Spotify employees had complained about Tate content being available.
“Pretty vile that we’re hosting Andrew Tate’s content,” wrote one employee on an internal messaging platform, according to 404 Media.
Spotify does not remove content based on an individual’s behaviour outside the platform. However, its rules bar content that makes “dehumanising” statements about a person or groups based on protected characteristics such as gender, identity or sex.
Content targeting an individual or group for harassment or abuse is also barred. Tate content remains available on Spotify including a “PhD course” on “how to get girls fast and easy”.
A petition on change.org calling on Spotify to remove Tate’s podcasts has reached more than 84,000 signatures. The petition accuses the streaming company of “cashing in on the exploitation of women and girls”.
Tate and his brother Tristan, both dual British-US nationals, face charges of rape, human trafficking and other offences in Romania. They are also wanted by UK authorities investigating allegations of rape and human trafficking. Last month they flew to the US after Romanian prosecutors suspended a travel ban and a court lifted a precautionary seizure on some of their assets.
The brothers have denied all the allegations against them and say their wealth has made them targets. “I’m sure at the end we’ll be absolutely exonerated,” Tate said last year.
It emerged last week that Kyle Clifford, a former soldier, watched up to 10 Tate videos before he murdered Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah, 28, and their mother, Carol, 61, at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last year.
Tate’s legal representatives have been contacted for comment.
