Oscar-nominated star Sharon Stone has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding podcast host Joe Rogan and Spotify, the parent network of his show.
Joe Rogan has come under increasing scrutiny due to his continued spread of misinformation regarding the COVID-19 virus, and his hosting of COVID conspiracy theorists on his show. The past week has seen numerous entertainers, including singers Neil Young, Joni Mithcell, India Arie, and Graham Nash all pull their music from Spotify in protest to its continued support of Rogan. Arie, as well as Mary Trump, have also pulled their own podcasts from the network.
Now Basic Instinct star Stone offered her thoughts on the mess, and did not hold back in her fierce criticism. In an interview with TMZ, Stone blasted Rogan’s dissemination of misinformation in no uncertain terms.
“He should put a disclaimer that he’s an a**hole and that his behavior is dangerous and affecting people’s lives and deaths,” Stone said. “COVID is not an opinion-based situation and Mr. Rogan thinking that his opinion or disclaimer for the lives he personally has affected and caused losses of — it’s not an opinion.”
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“Mr. Rogan is risking people’s lives with his idiocy and his professing that his thoughts about COVID are opinions,” she added. “Infectious diseases are science, and they are fact-based situations, so the pretense that these are opinions is dangerous.”
https://twitter.com/sharonstone/status/1487160334414606339
Stone had previously voiced her support for singer Neil Young on January 28, taking to Twitter to announce she would delete her Spotify account “in the name of truth.”
Rogan released a video apologizing for his spread of misinformation on Monday, which has thus far included discouraging listeners from getting vaccinated against COVID, promoting ivermectin as an effective treatment for the disease, and hosting conspiracy theorists who claim the pandemic is a “False Flag” operation on a global scale. Spotify, for its part, has announced it will begin issuing content advisories to programs discussing COVID-19, though it did not mention Rogan in its announcement.
Meanwhile, Fox host Tucker Carlson has stepped in to defend Rogan, calling him “a source for safety in this world” despite his spread of false or unsupported COVID-19 theories.
Cam
Rogan and Spotify are dancing and doing damage control after only a few days of backlash.
They can paint it however they want, but they’re nervous.
LumpyPillows
Joe Rogan is a professional idiot, its his gig. I’m not a fan. I do not listen to his podcast. I do think we have bigger issues than Joe Rogan. Lots of people on my cancel list before him. Let’s focus on real criminals, like the Trumps, and stop taking our eyes off the ball.
downtoearth
He’s an idiot BUT free speech. If you don’t like what he says then don’t listen to his show. He’s not a medical professional so if you listen to him for medical advice you’re the idiot.
Cam
Except “Free Speech” has nothing to do with this discussion.
Free Speech means that the government can’t arrest you for speaking against it. There is no “Right to a Spotify Podcast”. And just like Rogan has the “right” to lie and pass off dangerous information, other people have the “right” to complain about it, and Spotify has the “right” to kick him off their platform.
downtoearth
It actually has a lot to do with this discussion. If a company is going to pick apart everything you say in YOUR podcast and tell you what you are and are not allowed to say that’s censorship, which is related to free speech. Be careful what you wish for. We all have the right and ability to turn the channel.
Cam
@downtoearth
So by your logic a company should have no control over what they broadcast. Is the next step saying a store should have no control over selling dangerous or spoiled goods? Maybe a car dealership shouldn’t have any control over a car that has been recalled?
Look, I get it, you’re trying to troll for Rogan and your first attempt got called out as phony. But doubling down on it was just sad. Spotify is a customer based platform, if their customers don’t like what they’re selling they can kick off anybody they want.
downtoearth
Either you just don’t get it or you get it and are too stubborn to admit it. You’re comparing apples to oranges in your examples. Remember Ellen’s coming out episode where the religious right was demanding that ABC pull it before it even aired because it “promoted homosexuality as normal”? Would you be okay with ABC refusing to air the episode? And why is it when a middle of the road objective person comes along you accuse them of being a troll or a Republican? You can’t make up the rules as you go along otherwise society won’t take our people seriously. No use arguing with you.
Cam
@downtoearth
Except you can’t respond to my specific comment because you know I’m right.
You are stating that a company like Spotify shouldn’t have the right to police it’s own business. The Ellen example works. Because guess what, if her network decided they didn’t want to allow a lesbian plotline, that was their right. Just like it would be our right to boycott that network for refusing to allow that plotline.
Your argument is that Spotify shouldn’t be allowed to remove content it broadcasts. So again, by that logic, if somebody went onto Spotify want wanted to do a podcast on how to hack into the credit agencies computers and steal everyone’s identity, you are arguing that Spotify shouldn’t be able to stop that and your argument is the nebulous statement “Free speech”.
I wasn’t sure if you were the same old troll at first, but the fact that you are sticking to the broken argument and then tried to insinuate I don’t get it, just exposed this as another one of your screenames.
This was a better attempt that most of your others, but how sad for you, it still wasn’t that good.
jthomasmpls
@cam I have an idea, buy Spotify or start your own platform and run it however you like! Censorship is not anyones friend, even if we don’t like the message.
friendlymcface
Tell me you’re not a lawyer, without telling me you’re not a lawyer.
Cam
@jthomasmpls
And as the owner I would have the right to run it how I wanted. Just like, as a customer I have the right to cancel my account.
But it’s cute that after this name was called out as a troll you brought it back to try to defend your other comment.
Jon in Canada
Except it’s not at all a free speech issue. Per the 1st Amendment of the Constitution, free speech is a guaranteed right against the government censoring you, it has nothing to do with non-governmental entities, of which Spotify is. Google, Twitter, Facebook etc have every right to suspend or remove your account per their TOS and/or their discretion; seriously, it’s right there in the contract you agree to when creating an account. Spotify is no different as they too have TOS for both accounts and platform performers.
Free speech is NOT a guarantee against or protective stance regarding consequences. Rogan can freely say whatever he wants, but the marketplace AKA consumers, can also freely “speak of their displeasure” via cancelling accounts, pulling their content and/or speaking out against Rogan’s BS. That’s how it works. Rogan, nor anyone, has a constitutional right to be on a particular social media platform, so stop trying to argue he does.
downtoearth
Jon in Canada FYI we’re not in Canada.
SamB
This woman, and probably most of Hollywood, are not smart people. It’s amazing how people look to an actress to hear what she thinks about anything?
Man About Town
Actually she has an extremely high IQ, so between that and your silly assessment about “most of Hollywood,” what does that tell us about YOUR IQ?
SamB
Man: IQ tests, at best, can just propose intellectual potential. If she scored high on an IQ test, but doesn’t study, then she’s still not intelligent.
Jimsie
What exactly do trolls such as yourself get out of your preposterous comments? Sweetie, get off of that rag you’re riding.
rangerwilcox
Rogan is probably not a smart person either if he is ignoring science and use non-prescribed methods to get over COVID. it’s amazing how people look to a radio entertainment person to hear what he thinks about anything.
SamB
Ranger: You’ve probably never even listened to one of his podcasts, especially not the ones you’re so offended by. He never says he’s the authority on anything, what he does is have a discussion. You disagree with him on a topic, that’s your right, but he has the right to talk about things you may not enjoy. Do not listen.
Cam
NOTHING enrages our same old right wing troll more than a woman speaking.
Bosch
I see you’re having an angry wank again.
Inspector 57
“IQ tests, at best, can just propose intellectual potential. If she scored high on an IQ test, but doesn’t study, then she’s still not intelligent.”
That is factually incorrect.
IQ tests measure innate intelligence.
Studying makes one more informed, but not more intelligent.
mastik8
It’s not a First Amendment issue but isn’t it a free speech issue? I don’t like the opinions of Hannity, Ingraham, The Five, etc., so I don’t tune in or argue the little merit their arguments hold for me. I’ve been a tree hugging liberal my whole life but cancelling seems a tool of the Right and I’d rather not stoop to that level. Cancelling just means the argument pops up somewhere else by someone else. I’m not sure I agree with Whoopi but I don’t want her cancelled. I’d rather win the argument on its merits because I believe we are right.
stafcoyote
I’ll “stoop to that level” in a heartbeat. We are in an existential struggle, both against a disease, which is morally neutral, and against authoritarian sentiments on the right, which are not. If holding on to our way of life involves cancelling Joe Rogan and putting Tucker Carlson, Josh Hawley, and a whole host of Trumpists and Russia-lovers on trial for treason, then, yeah, I’ll descend to the basement with an AK-47. And I’ll start shooting.
Cam
Again, by your logic, a business has no right to have policies about what it’s employees or it’s contractors can do or say on it’s platform?
Nice try.
Bosch
Censoring Dr Malone does not have to equal censoring Rogan. It’s ONE episode.
mastik8
@Cam – “Again, by your logic, a business has no right to have policies about what it’s employees or it’s contractors can do or say on it’s platform?” I’m not sure how you got to that from what I wrote but for the record I agree with you, a business has every right to have policies about what it’s employees or it’s contractors can do or say on it’s platform. I think one problem we may be having is that the businesses in question have, through their actions, shown us their policy in this regard and we’re not happy with the results. If I’m not mistaken Chappelle is still on Netflix. Rogan is still on Spotify, Hannity and Ingraham are still on Fox and Brian Stelter is still on CNN, etc. How isn’t that business telling us their policies.
Jon in Canada
Rogan Freely Spoke his BS and the market (consumers), other content producers and people in general are Freely Speaking their disgust in what he’s been proffering. If Spotify continues to lose market share via its Stock, which continues to take a beating, feels the cost of Rogan’s nonsense is not good business, they’ll respond and do so as things progress. That’s how the Free Market works.
Free Speech doe not mean Free of Consequence. I wish you Free Speech folks would clue into that.
mastik8
@Jon in Canada – Exactly.
johncp56
I is more than the basic rule no yelling fire/gun in the dark theater/ I like everyone to say anything but though the pandemic, altered facts are extremely dangerous, even as a gay man i like to know who hates me, so bad opinion is welcomed, to see what’s under that rock!
v6origal97
It might not hurt to remind folks that this is the same guy who used to encourage people to eat bugs for cash.
Fname Optional Lname
This!
Jaquelope
I don’t think it’s all that bad that he puts up a disclaimer that what he says is just his opinion, but the trouble is that too many people will take his opinion as *Gospel Truth*, and continue to ignore the health experts and scientists who are trying to get a handle on the epidemic. Many will have the attitude that he was forced to put up the disclaimer, so it will just be ignored by them.
I’d still like to know how many of these COVID deniers have “had the jab” and/or a booster.
jonchavez2003
What is it with the meathead knuckle dragging middle aged American male?
They champion guys like Rogan, Limbaugh, and Jones, as their oracles of “common sense.” Unbelievable.
friendlymcface
America has always had a very strong anti-intellectual streak. John Wayne is an archetype. It feeds the great American best that you can become a self-made man if you pull yourself up from your bootstraps and work harder than anyone else.
50 50
This whole thing is nothing to do with ‘free speech’ or even speech. It is all about commercial entertainment. Spotify is a retail platform, they are trying to build an audience. Some of the entertainers don’t want to be seen with other entertainers.
You could imagine a Vegas casino keeps the main-stream stars away from the strippers, even though the strippers might be very popular. Adele or the Osmonds or whoever might choose to not be on the same bill as 16 Exotic Beauties. It is up to the venue / platform to optimise for their maximum audience revenues.
BaltoSteve
You know, that sounds suspiciously a lot like Capitalism!
Josh in OR
Something something FREEDOM OF SPEECH something something CENSORSHIP something something MURKA!
We Murkans should be able to say and do anything we want with no repur…reaper…re…NO CANCEL CULTURE!!!!
What is truth!?
What is science?!
What is reality?!
WHO CARES!
We have the right, no, the RESPONSIBILITY to speak our minds on every topic, whether we know what we’re talkin’ ‘bout or not, and any attempt to make sure what we say is, y’know, the truth? Or follows backs logic? Or just…is not bugnuts stupidity spread by political hacks who don’t care about anything but their next payday? That’s infringin’ on muh freedums! Not in MY MURKA!!
/s
Meanwhile, let’s just…stop trying to save the lowest common denominators from themselves. They don’t want to be saved, because most of them are already ‘Saved ™’ by the bloodaJeebus, so anyone else trying to save them is just a demon worshipping satanist Jew Commie bastard who hates America. So, let’s let the idiots spread their precious, 1st Amendement protected misinformation. Let’s allow them to encourage their listeners to drink bleach and take horse pills and shoot sunlight directly into their veins, and allow their listeners to do all of that if they so choose. No hospital rooms for them, of course, since those should go to people who follow actual medical advice and do the RIGHT thing, not the politically motivated, ‘librul tears!’ thing. They can die as free Murkans, alone in their homes with their Fox News and Joe Rogan podcasts to keep them company and tell them what good Americans they are for not listening to ‘Ouchie Fauci’ as they die in pain and fear and confusion from something they COULD have prevented had they listened to experts.
*shrug*
We don’t need them. Stop coddling them. Stop trying to save them.
Kevan1
White trash, ignorant piece of crap. Certain “News” shows, broadcasters and podcasters should b able to be sued for false information harming others. Why more law suites are not in the works, I do not understand. This is not freedom of speech, it is dangerous disinformation is scientific facts.
Kevan1
P.S. and all politicians should be sued and removed spouting out lies that kill people.
Kevan1
P.S. all politicians should also be held to the same standard. If they are spreading this disinformation and lies they should be able to be sued and should be removed from their post.
nunya
Ms. Stone is trying to stay relevant; the only thing that got her any press was Basic Instinct, which was way back in the year 1992. Nobody cares about Sharon or her opinions and her sad attempts to stay in the limelight.
ScottOnEarth
You’re not only missing the entire point of this article but you are ridiculously wrong about Sharon Stone. She’s relevant enough to be asked about her opinion and have that opinion reported here….and she is relevant beyond her work as an actress. She also has a huge following on social media, so check your facts.
nunya
I stand by my statement about Ms. I-flashed-my-cooter-on-my-way-to-fame Stone. Her opinions are no more relevant to me than those of any other celebrity, including Mr. Rogan’s. And when those opinions cannot be expressed without the use of profanity, they hold even less relevance for me. So no, I don’t listen to Sharon, Joe, or any other celebrity for that matter in order to formulate my own opinions, and nor do I look to them to validate them. Unlike your stereotypical gay man, I’m not enamored of celebrities.