Spotify is facing backlash after One Direction fans accused the platform of being “tasteless” in a segment of its AI-generated Wrapped podcast. The podcast, which launched this year, uses AI voices to discuss users’ listening habits from 2024.
However, controversy arose when the podcast addressed the increased streams of One Direction songs in late October, following the death of the band’s former member, Liam Payne, at the age of 31.
In one widely shared clip, two AI voices are heard discussing One Direction’s music, with one voice stating, “It’s so cool you know, One Direction are classics.”
The conversation shifts to the user’s seven-day streak of listening to the band, with the AI speculating, “I wonder if that coincided with the release of something, maybe a new album or a reunion. It would be really awesome if that happened.”
The AI continued, “Maybe there was a One Direction marathon happening?” followed by “Maybe you just really love One Direction and just listen to them all the time. It’s a great choice but awesome.”
Fans were quick to point out that the increased streams were likely linked to Payne’s passing, not a new release or reunion. One user shared the clip with the caption, “I don’t think that’s what it coincided with tbh,” while others expressed their frustration with the AI’s insensitivity.
“This is so distasteful oh my god,” one fan wrote, while another shared their distress: “No they did this to me too and it just kept going with me close to tears.”
This incident follows growing concerns about the use of AI by Spotify and other media companies. Earlier this week, Mariah Carey addressed rumors that an AI-generated video message was behind her appearance in Spotify Wrapped.
Fans had speculated that the video, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album, was artificially created due to her unusual appearance.
Carey responded on social media, emphasizing her dislike for “bad lighting and a red lip,” rejecting the idea that AI was used.
The incident with One Direction highlights ongoing debates about the role of AI in personal and public media experiences, with fans expressing concerns over its ability to appropriately handle sensitive topics.
