Dwayne Johnson has backtracked after he divided fans by supporting Joe Rogan.
Spotify has come under pressure to take action against podcast host Rogan, who has been accused of spreading Covid-19 misinformation on his show, The Joe Rogan Experience.
In the wake of numerous artists boycotting the platform in protest against Rogan, the 54-year-old posted a video on Instagram, in which he said: "I'm not trying to promote misinformation. I'm not trying to be controversial.
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"I've never tried to do anything with this podcast other than just talk to people and have interesting conversations."
Commenting on the post, The Rock said: "Great stuff here brother. Perfectly articulated.
"Look forward to coming on one day and breaking out the tequila with you."
The show of solidarity came as a shock and disappointment to many of his fans, with Johnson seen as one of the most universally liked figures in Hollywood, by contrast with Rogan, who is a much more divisive figure.
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But it looks like Johnson is now reconsidering his stance in light of a compilation of clips which shows Rogan using the N word 24 times.
In another resurfaced clip originally recorded 11 years ago, Rogan tells a story about a taxi driver dropping him off in a black neighbourhood in Philadelphia, saying it was like he was 'in Planet of The Apes'.
Naturally, people have condemned Rogan, and author Don Winslow decided to ask Johnson whether it's in his best interests as a role model to endorse Rogan.
On Twitter, Winslow wrote: "Dear @TheRock, You're a hero to many people and using your platform to defend Joe Rogan, a guy that used and laughed about using the N word dozens of times, is a terrible use of your power.
"Have you actually listened to this man's many racist statements about Black people?"
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Johnson said he had been unaware of the comments when proffering his support and said it was a 'learning moment' for him.
The 49-year-old said: "Dear @donwinslow
"Thank you so much for this
"I hear you as well as everyone here 100%.
"I was not aware of his N word use prior to my comments, but now I've become educated to his complete narrative.
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"Learning moment for me."
Rogan shared another lengthy video yesterday (Saturday 5 February) in which he apologised for his past language.
He said: "I can't go back in time and change what I've seen said I wish I could obviously that's not possible.
"But I do hope that this can be a teachable moment for anybody that doesn't realise how offensive that word can be coming out of a white person's mouth, in context or out of context. My sincere and humble apologies."
Topics: Celebrity, Dwayne Johnson, Joe Rogan
Jake Massey