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Randee St. Nicholas/RCA RecordsIt appears that Pandora may be following in Spotify’s footsteps.
The Blast cites an unnamed source at the popular streaming music service as saying they’ve made the decision to stop promoting R. Kelly and his music.
However, fans will still be able to search for the R&B star’s music and create an R. Kelly radio station using Pandora’s features.
Pandora wouldn’t confirm The Blast’s claim to ABC News, but declared in a statement, “Pandora’s policy is to not actively promote artists with certain demonstrable behavioral, ethical or criminal issues.”
“We approach each of these scenarios on a case-by-case basis to ensure we address components true to Pandora’s principles while not overreaching and avoiding censorship”
Whether true or not, the news comes just one day after Spotify’s decision to scrap R. Kelly’s music from their playlist offerings.
Spotify users will no longer be able to hear Kelly’s songs on any Spotify flagship playlist, such as New Music Friday and RapCaviar.
R. Kelly has been accused of sexual assault and other misconduct against young girls over the years, though he’s never been convicted of a related crime and has refuted all claims.
A #MuteRKelly movement to convince companies and others to stop doing business with and otherwise supporting the singer has been gaining traction in recent days.
In a statement obtained by ABC News, R. Kelly’s management team responded to Spotify’s decision by saying in part that the recording artist “has never been convicted of a crime, nor does he have any pending criminal charges against him.”
“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,” the statement said.
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