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Randee St. Nicholas/RCA RecordsR. Kelly‘s management team has responded to Spotify’s decision to remove all the artist’s songs from its playlists.
In a statement obtained by ABC News, the team comments on Spotify’s citation of its new “Hate Content & Hateful Conduct” policy as the reason why Kelly’s music is being sidelined.
“R. Kelly never has been accused of hate, and the lyrics he writes express love and desire,” notes the team.
The statement goes on to say that Kelly’s songs are about his “love and passion for women” and claims that Kelly is ‘innocent’ of the numerous sexual assault allegations against young girls he’s faced over the years.”
“He has never been convicted of a crime, nor does he have any pending criminal charges against him,” Kelly’s team notes.
“Spotify has the right to promote whatever music it chooses, and in this case its actions are without merit. It is acting based on false and unproven allegations. It is bowing to social media fads and picking sides in a fame-seeking dispute over matters that have nothing to do with serving customers.”
The statement by pointing out that Spotify continues to promote “numerous artists who are convicted felons, others who have been arrested on charges of domestic violence and artists who sing lyrics that are violent and anti-women in nature.”
“Mr. Kelly falls into none of these categories, and it is unfortunate and shortsighted that Spotify fails to recognize this,” the statement concludes.
Spotify explained to Billboard in a statement that Kelly’s music will still be available on the service, but Spotify will not actively promote it via playlists such as Rap Caviar and New Music Friday.
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