The Spotify saga with Joe Rogan continues to take twists and turns, with the latest being the removal of an estimated 113 episodes of his podcast from the streaming platform.

This as clips where Rogan was heard using the N-Word several times, along with making racially insensitive jokes, have resurfaced in the wake of his ongoing misinformation controversy.

Over the weekend, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek addressed staff regarding the issue in an internal memo, which The Verge obtained access to.

“Not only are some of Joe Rogan’s comments incredibly hurtful — I want to make clear that they do not represent the values of this company. I know this situation leaves many of you feeling drained, frustrated and unheard,” Ek reportedly told staff.

The CEO says he has spoken to Rogan regarding the incidents, adding that, “some of the content in his show, including his history of using some racially insensitive language.” Ek also says that Rogan, “chose to remove a number of episodes from Spotify.”

While the acknowledgement of the problem and dialogue is good to see, it seemingly does not change Spotify’s stance on whether one of its creators is purposefully divisive, with the company viewing itself solely as a platform and not a publisher.

To that end, Ek noted that he does not believe, “silencing Joe is the answer.”

“We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but cancelling voices is a slippery slope. Looking at the issue more broadly, it’s critical thinking and open debate that powers real and necessary progress,” he continues.

In an effort to paper over the cracks, the Spotify CEO says the company will be setting aside $100 million, which will be used to license, develop and market audio content by creators from historically marginalised groups.

This is a nice gesture and likely welcome from creators in those aforementioned communities, but it looks like Spotify is happy to give Joe Rogan a limp slap on the wrist given how much business he brings in for the streaming platform.

As such, as we have intimated in a recent episode of the africast, it may take creators larger than Neil Young before Spotify takes more tangible action.