Spotify Is Banning Cory Bernardi's Hottest 100 Protest Playlist

Following a wave of backlash by some of Australia's biggest music names yesterday, Spotify has confirmed it is banning Cory Bernardi's controversial Hottest 100 protest playlist.

As news.com.au reports, a spokeswoman from the streaming giants confirmed in a statement on 2GB this morning. 

update: Spotify Denies Its Deleted Cory Bernardi's Hottest 100 Protest Playlist

"Spotify has actively supported marriage, gender and indigenous equality initiatives over the last five years, and believes in a diverse and multicultural Australia.

"We want to make clear we do not endorse this playlist, nor do we have any official ties to the Australian Conservatives party nor any other political party.

"Finally, I would like to remind any political party who seek to use the work of others for political gain or messaging, to read the terms and conditions on Spotify that relate specifically to this situation."

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Bernardi contested Spotify's decision, telling 2GB he would accept it if he was using the music in political rallies or advertisements. 

"But I’ve merely done what millions of other people have done, created a playlist of music that I can listen to on Australia Day," Bernardi said.

"The artists get paid for it and they’re saying, ‘No, you’re not allowed to do that, it’s terrible.’ I think we’re living in a very dangerous time and that’s why I will not buckle and fold on this. Last night we got a message from Spotify saying this playlist was offensive and derogatory comment or something like that.

"So they said they’re going to be removing it."

It should be noted that the playlist is still currently live.

The news comes after names such as Darren Hayes, Jimmy Barnes and Bernard Fanning slammed the playlist, which some of their music is featured on.

In a Facebook post, Colin Hay wrote, "May I suggest, Mr. Bernardi, if you haven’t already, dabbling in some light hallucinogens.

"Wander into a field, and sit in front of a tree, and look at it, really study it, at a molecular level. It may not change your conservative views, but it may make you realize, you’re not quite as important as you think you are."

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