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Spotify Has Removed an Islamophobic Song Referencing Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik. Photo: Shutterstock

Following the reappearance of a song titled Zayn Did 9/11, a one minute track implying British-Pakistani singer, Zayn Malik‘s involvement in the September 11 bombing of New York City’s World Trade Center, fans of the former One Direction star have taken to social media to campaign for its removal. Created by parody artists Una Kompton in 2017, the song lyrics include the words “Zayn did 9/11” on a continuous loop against an eerily synthesized melody. Following a number of complaints and the emergence of a hashtag named #removeitforzayn, Spotify has removed the song on account of its blatant Islamophobia.

With hundreds of tags across Instagram and Twitter, concerned fans of the star have expressed their despair over the song. @jillevatormusic writes on Twitter, “his faith affiliation, skin color, or race does not equal terrorism. If you let a minority of any racial/religious group dictate your view of the majority of said group, then you need to re-evaluate your worldview. #removeitforzayn.” Another fan, @missrohwi writes “all religions, cultures, and beliefs deserve the same amount of respect, even if they were different from your own. #removeitforzayn.”

Speaking to the MailOnline, a spokesperson for Spotify said, “Spotify prohibits content on the platform which expressly and principally promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence against a group or individual based on characteristics, including, race, religion, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.” “When content that violates this standard is identified it is removed from the platform,” they said. Currently quarantining with his expectant girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, Malik is yet to comment on the reemergence of the song, or the response from his fans. While it has been taken down from Spotify following the backlash, the song is still available for download and streaming via Apple Music and YouTube.

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