Spotify Refuses to Remove Antisemitic Rap Song Despite Controversy
Spotify declines to take down rap song cited for antisemitic conspiracy claims
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Spotify has declined to remove Chris Webby's rap song 'Raw Thoughts VII,' which has been criticized for promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories. The International Legal Forum argued that the song violates Spotify's hate content guidelines, but the platform found it did not meet their threshold for removal. The song has accumulated nearly three million plays since its release.
- 01The song 'Raw Thoughts VII' was released on March 4 and has nearly three million plays across platforms.
- 02The International Legal Forum's letter to Spotify highlighted multiple antisemitic tropes and calls for violence in the song's lyrics.
- 03ILF CEO Michal Cotler-Wunsh expressed disappointment at Spotify's decision, stating it poses a danger to both the Jewish community and society at large.
- 04The song includes references to a shadowy cabal and makes veiled accusations against Jewish people and Israel.
- 05This is the seventh song in a series where Webby shares his political and societal views, with previous songs not addressing Jewish themes.
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Spotify has opted not to remove Chris Webby's rap song 'Raw Thoughts VII,' despite a request from the International Legal Forum (ILF) citing antisemitic content and conspiracy theories. The song, released on March 4, has garnered nearly three million plays across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. In its letter to Spotify, the ILF pointed out that the lyrics promote harmful stereotypes about Jews and contain calls for violence, including a line suggesting targeting individuals deemed complicit in conspiracies. The ILF argued that these elements create a recognizable antisemitic narrative, violating Spotify's policies against hate speech. ILF CEO Michal Cotler-Wunsh criticized Spotify's decision, stating that the platform's failure to enforce its guidelines is dangerous for society, particularly for the Jewish community. She emphasized that online antisemitism can lead to real-world harm. This song is part of Webby's series where he expresses his views on politics and society, with previous entries avoiding Jewish topics, although he hinted at them in 'Raw Thoughts VI.'
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The refusal to remove the song may embolden the spread of antisemitic sentiments and conspiracy theories, potentially leading to increased hostility against Jewish communities.
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