In a recent article in The New York Times, World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder called on Apple and Spotify to remove the music of rapper and producer Kanye West from their streaming services. Lauder’s stance stems from West’s recent statements in a series of tweets that have been widely condemned as anti-Semitic.
In the tweets, West called for an end to “Jewish people” controlling the entertainment industry, and also accused Jews of “manipulating” popular culture. He also praised controversial conspiracy theorist and radio host Alex Jones.
Lauder has now urged Apple and Spotify to remove West’s music from their services, citing their policies on hate speech. He argued that West’s comments should not be tolerated and that those who “spread hate and anti-Semitism should not be allowed to profit from the sale of their music.”
World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder calls for Apple, Spotify to remove Kanye's music https://t.co/BWAlNHTAEM pic.twitter.com/c51UFgXC0k
— New York Post (@nypost) December 7, 2022
In a statement, Lauder said that “Kanye West’s recent comments about Jews are abhorrent. His words have no place in our society, and we must ensure that his message of hate and division is not spread through his music.”
He added that “Apple and Spotify have both taken a stand against hate speech in the past, and we urge them to do so again by removing Kanye West’s music from their streaming services. The message must be clear: there is no place for anti-Semitism and hate in the music industry.”
Lauder’s call follows a similar demand from the Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish civil rights group, which has also called on Apple and Spotify to remove West’s music.
It remains to be seen whether Apple and Spotify will heed Lauder’s call and remove West’s music, or if they will continue to offer it on their services. In either case, it is clear that West’s anti-Semitic comments have been widely condemned and that the music industry must take a stand against hate speech.