Spotify removes more than half a million streams from Malcolm Todd’s song “Earrings” after detecting suspected bot activity tied to an unusual surge in listens, according to reporting based on findings described by the Financial Times. The track, released in 2024, rises rapidly to No. 1 on Spotify’s daily U.S. chart following a sharp increase in streams. In parallel, traders on prediction market Kalshi are accused of manipulating the song’s chart performance. Kalshi says it is investigating the allegations it faces. The removals come after the disputed chart activity draws attention because prediction-market participants appear to have activity associated with the song’s chart movement. Spotify’s actions focus on adjusting streaming counts where it suspects inauthentic behavior. Both outlets describe the same core sequence: an abrupt chart climb, allegations of coordinated manipulation linked to betting activity, and Spotify’s removal of streams while investigations are ongoing.