Spotify called on to remove songs by French rapper facing criminal prosecution for antisemitic lyrics
Spotify has been called on to remove the music of a French rapper whose controversial songs are accused of inciting antisemitic views and hatred, particularly among young people.
The rapper, known as Freeze Corleone, is facing criminal prosecution after his debut album was criticised for antisemitic lyrics and Holocaust denial in several tracks.
The rapper’s lyrics include lines such as, “f*** the Shoah!”, “I arrived determined like Adolf in the 30s” and, “Too many Cohens, Jews in finance, politics, plots, school books.”
The opening track from the album, released on 11th September, is currently ranked 12th on Spotify’s daily Top 200 chart for France. Three of the top five spots on the weekly Top 200 Spotify chart also contain songs from the rapper’s controversial album. He has attracted 5.2 million listeners on the digital music platform.
Media commentators have expressed alarm at the rapid sale of copies in France that currently adopts a zero tolerance policy for antisemitic language.
In a recent announcement Gerald Darmanin, France’s Interior Minister, condemned the lyrics and confirmed that his Ministry would be pursuing legal action against the artist. Fifty members of the French Parliament also wrote to the Ministry of Justice with requests for a swift prosecution.
The rapper has been dropped by Universal Music France for the discriminatory lyrics. However, his music is still live on the streaming platform and competing services.
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