Joni Mitchell removing music from Spotify in solidarity with Neil Young
Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is removing her library of music from Spotify in solidarity with fellow artist Neil Young, citing "irresponsible people" sharing misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine on the streaming platform.
Mitchell made the announcement on her website late Friday night, writing: "Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue."
The Grammy award-winner also shared an open letter written by medical professionals around the globe about "The Joe Rogan Experience," a podcast Spotify purchased exclusive licensing to in 2020 for a reported $100-million deal, according to The Wall Street Journal.
On Dec. 31, 2021, the podcast's host, Joe Rogan, featured guest Dr. Robert Malone, who has been banned from Twitter for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine.
"This is not only a scientific or medical concern; it is a sociological issue of devastating proportions and Spotify is responsible for allowing this activity to thrive on its platform," the open letter reads.
Young removed his music from the platform earlier this week, also citing The Joe Rogan Experience as an example of Spotify failing to remove misinformation about vaccines from its platform.
“Spotify has become the home of life-threatening COVID misinformation," Young wrote on his website. "I sincerely hope that other artists and record companies will move off the Spotify platform and stop supporting Spotify's deadly misinformation about COVID."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My little love is now flying high': Families pay tribute to Texas school shooting victims
Families are sharing photos and stories of their loved ones, who lost their lives in a mass shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 children and two adults on Tuesday afternoon.

'Not parent expected': When a DNA test brings distressing results
While genealogical DNA tests may be marketed as harmless and exciting way for people to learn more about their ancestral heritage, CTVNews.ca speaks with a Canadian researcher who says more support is needed for those who get unexpected results that have potential to disrupt family relations.
Monkeypox in Canada: PHAC now confirms 15 cases countrywide
With Quebec confirming an additional 10 cases of monkeypox identified in the province, the Public Health Agency of Canada says they are monitoring a total of 15 cases across the country.
Depp retakes witness stand, calls Heard's allegations insane
Johnny Depp called his ex-wife's accusations of sexual and physical abuse 'insane' Wednesday as he returned to the witness stand in his libel suit against Amber Heard.
'My heart breaks': Trudeau reacts to Texas elementary school shooting
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his 'heart breaks' for those impacted by the 'horrific' shooting at an elementary school in Texas that killed 21 people on Tuesday.
Clean up, power restoration efforts underway after destructive Ontario storm
Crews are working to restore power to more than 150,000 Ontario customers who are still without hydro after a deadly storm swept through the province on Saturday.
Language law Bill 96 adopted, promising sweeping changes for Quebec
Bill 96, the provincial government's controversial legislation aimed at protecting the French language in Quebec, has been adopted in the National Assembly.
U.K. PM Boris Johnson, other leaders faulted for lockdown parties
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior officials bear responsibility for a culture of rule-breaking that resulted in several parties that breached the U.K.'s COVID-19 lockdown rules, a report into the events said Wednesday.
Warriors coach Kerr calls for gun control after Texas school shooting
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr refused to talk about basketball at a pre-game news conference on Tuesday and instead called for stricter gun control after the killing of at least 18 children and an adult in a Texas school shooting.