Calls Mount for Streaming Services to Delist D4vd's Music Amidst Murder Allegations

Prominent music streaming services are being urged to take down the entire music catalog of D4vd in response to severe criminal accusations against the artist. The advocacy group Industry Blackout has spearheaded a petition, calling on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music to completely remove his songs. The group's petition highlights the ethical dilemma, stating, “When an artist has been charged with the s3xual abuse and murd3r of a m!nor, a child who was drawn into his orbit through his music and public persona, continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalogue is a choice. It is not a neutral one.”

This campaign, which has garnered hundreds of signatures, follows reports indicating that several artists have publicly distanced themselves from D4vd. Sources within the music industry suggest that collaborators, including Kali Uchis, Holly Humberstone, Laufey, and Damiano David, have opted to remove their joint productions from streaming platforms, with the backing of Universal Music Group.

D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was formerly associated with Darkroom Records, a subsidiary of Interscope/UMG. However, reports suggest he was dropped by the label several months prior to the charges being officially laid.

YouTube has also taken steps to demonetize D4vd's account, citing violations of its Creator Responsibility policy, particularly concerning "off-platform behavior that is harmful to YouTube’s community.” Despite the mounting backlash, his music remains accessible on major streaming services as of this report, with neither Spotify nor Apple Music having issued an official statement.

The controversy emerged shortly after D4vd's arrest last week, leading to charges that include first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is currently detained without the possibility of bail.

Prosecutors contend that the victim, identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was allegedly killed in April 2025. Her remains were reportedly discovered months later in a vehicle connected to the defendant.

This case has ignited a broader discussion within the music industry regarding the responsibilities of digital platforms when artists face grave criminal allegations, and whether the continued distribution of their work implies endorsement.