Apple Music and Pandora Have Removed R. Kelly’s Songs from Curated Playlists
The #MuteRKelly campaign is reaching a fever pitch as streaming platforms Apple Music and Pandora have joined the list of companies who are cutting ties with R. Kelly.
Pitchfork reports that Apple Music has stopped promoting the veteran R&B singer’s music on their curated playlists like “Best Slow Jams of the 90s, Vol. 1” and "Vol 2." Although the company’s decision was made secretly before Spotify removed Kelly's music from their editorial and algorithmic playlists.
Meanwhile, according to The Blast, Pandora is no longer promoting R. Kelly’s music on their service. In a statement to Pitchfork, the company cited their policy to not “actively promote artists with certain demonstrable behavioral, ethical or criminal issues.”
All of this comes after Spotify recently announced that R. Kelly's music has been removed from their playlists in light of the singer's recent sexual misconduct allegations. "His music will still be available on the service, but Spotify will not actively promote it," the streaming platform said in a statement.
In response, R. Kelly’s management criticized Spotify for responding to “false and unproven allegations” and added that other artists on their playlists have been accused or convicted of crimes. The singer's team calls Spotify's decision “shortsighted.”
On Friday (May 11), R. Kelly also tweeted out that he is handing out 2,500 free T-shirts bearing the slogan “Turn R. Kelly Up!” to fans who attend his concert in Greensboro, N.C., tonight.
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