Spotify cuts R. Kelly music from playlists

Spotify has removed R. Kelly’s music from its playlists, citing its new policy on hate content and hateful conduct.

A spokesperson said Thursday that Kelly’s music is no longer available on playlists owned and operated by the streaming service and on its algorithmic recommendations. His music will still be available, but Spotify will not promote it.

“Kelly has never been accused of hate,” the singer’s management wrote in an emailed statement sent to the Chicago Tribune on Thursday afternoon.

“He is innocent of the false and hurtful accusations in the ongoing smear campaign against him, waged by enemies seeking a payoff,” the statement said.

The new Spotify policy defines hateful conduct as “something that is especially harmful or hateful,” such as violence against children and sexual violence.

It’s another blow for the R&B superstar, who has been battling allegations that he has sexually abused women for decades. While Kelly has denied the allegations and was acquitted in 2008 of child pornography charges, recent attention and a #MuteRKelly campaign have put the singer, songwriter and producer under more scrutiny. He was recently dropped from a concert in his hometown of Chicago, and there is pressure to cancel a Friday concert in Greensboro, N.C.

FRANK MICELOTTA/INVISION R. Kelly, seen at the 2013 BET Awards, is the target of a #MuteRKelly effort over his alleged sexual misconduct.