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Spotify removes R Kelly’s music in light of sexual abuse allegations

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R Kelly (PHOTO: Gallo images/ Getty images)
R Kelly (PHOTO: Gallo images/ Getty images)

Spotify has announced they’ve removed R Kelly’s music from playlists and recommendations amid a mounting campaign to boycott the singer’s work in light of sexual abuse allegations made against him.

The streaming service announced the news on Thursday, saying they’ve updated their terms regarding “hate content and hateful conduct” related to musicians whose conduct they deem offensive.

Rapper XXXTentacion’s music has also suffered the same fate as he’s awaiting trial on charges related to 2016 allegations he beat his then-pregnant girlfriend.

In a statement, Spotify says the artists’ music will still be available on their service, but they will not be promoting it.

“We don’t censor content because of an artist’s or creator’s behaviour, but we want our editorial decisions, what we choose to programme, to reflect our values. When an artist or creator does something that is especially harmful or hateful, it may affect the ways we work with or support that artist or creator.”

In a statement to Associated Press, R Kelly's management denounced the move saying his music is all about love. "R Kelly never has been accused of hate, and the lyrics he writes express love and desire. Mr Kelly, for 30 years, has sung songs about his love and passion for women. He is innocent of the false and hurtful accusations in the ongoing smear campaign against him, waged by enemies seeking a payoff. He never has been convicted of a crime, nor does he have any pending criminal charges against him."

Responding to the New York Times about Spotify’s decision, a representative for XXXTentacion said, “I don’t have a comment, just a question: will Spotify remove all the artists listed below from playlists?”

He then listed 19 artists, including Trey Songz, Michael Jackson and Dr Dre, who have all been accused of offences but not been convicted.

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