Spotify removes R&B artist R. Kelly from playlists for ‘hateful behavior’

Music service Spotify has removed R&B artist R. Kelly from Discover Weekly and other editorial and algorithmic playlists as part of a new policy to create its playlists based on its own values.

The artist’s music, known for songs such as I Believe I Can Fly and The World’s Greatest, will remain on Spotify, but will no longer appear in playlists managed by Spotify itself, Billboard reports. Many users listen to music through such playlists.

Spotify has taken the step because of new policy, in which it believes that its own playlists should promote the company’s values. In that policy, Spotify speaks out against hate speech and hateful behaviour. R. Kelly is under suspicion of sexually abusing minors. R. Kelly’s management points in a statement to a Buzzfeed journalist points out that the artist has never been convicted and finds the removal unjustified.

In addition to R. Kelly, Spotify has also removed rapper XXXTentacion. It is unknown whether the streaming service has also removed other artists from its playlists.