Overview
- Spotify confirmed Thursday that it investigated a sudden surge for Malcolm Todd’s “Earrings,” found evidence of artificial streaming, removed more than 500,000 plays, and adjusted its charts so the track dropped from No. 1 to No. 4.
- A Kalshi market tied to June’s most‑streamed U.S. song had already been resolved and paid out using the inflated figures, and that contract drew roughly $3 million in trading volume.
- Kalshi trader Caleb Davies flagged the anomaly and presented statistical evidence he says points to botting intended to move chart positions, and investigators are still examining who ran the streams.
- Polymarket says it did not list Malcolm Todd as an option, and Spotify has asked both Kalshi and Polymarket to remove Spotify branding and clarify they have no partnership while the firms conduct their own reviews.
- Industry observers warn that real‑money prediction markets rely on public metrics that can be manipulated and say the episode spotlights a need for clearer rules and timing standards from platforms and regulators to prevent and resolve gaming.