YouTube removes R Kelly’s channels following sex trafficking conviction

YouTube has removed two channels linked to the R&B singer, R Kelly, after his sex trafficking conviction.
In a statement to Reuters, a YouTube spokesperson said, “We can confirm that we have terminated two channels linked to R.Kelly in accordance with our creator responsibility guidelines.”
“Egregious actions committed by R. Kelly warrant penalties beyond standard enforcement measures due to a potential to cause widespread harm. Ultimately we are taking this action to protect our users similar to other platforms,” explained a memo by YouTube’s head of legal, Nicole Alston, as seen by Bloomberg.
The 54-year-old music star, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, was found guilty and convicted in September 2021 for exploiting, sexually abusing women and minors for over two decades and also sex-trafficking charges.
The popular ‘I believe I can Fly’ crooner now has his RKellyTV and RKellyVevo removed from YouTube.
However, the catalogue of his songs is still available on the audio-streaming YouTube Music and user-created videos like covers on YouTube.
R.Kelly’s songs have already been pulled out of radio stations, likely due to the MuteRKelly campaign, founded in 2017 by two Black women, campaigning that music platforms like Apple Music, AmazonMusic, and Spotify to remove Kelly’s songs from the airwaves.
In 2018, Spotify removed the singer from their playlist, under the ‘Hate Conduct and Hateful Conduct Policy’, but returned him to the list three weeks later. It, however, installed a function that allows users to mute the singer themselves personally.
R. Kelly, who is one of the most popular cases tied to the #MeToo movement, faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars and could face up to life in prison at his sentencing scheduled for May 4, 2022, after being found guilty nine charges.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
Nigeria@66: Industrial sector shakeholders seek productivity over stability
Mr Yusuf said the federal government should sustain macroeconomic stability and address national security, power and transport priorities.

States
Oyo estate agent arraigned over alleged stealing
The prosecutor, ASP Olagoke Adegbenro, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in July 2026 at Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan.

NationWide
Digital connectivity crucial to Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, says trade minister
Ms Oluwole said that infrastructure should translate into economic opportunities.

World
Trump launches A.I.-powered website where Americans can ask questions on benefits, services
Mr Trump said “With America.gov, the entire government will fit in the palm of your hand.

World
Cocaine kept as evidence in major drug trial stolen from Fiji courtroom, replaced with flour
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga expressed disappointment and shock over the incident.

States
From Niger Mining Pit to Cemetery: Endless anguish, fears of survivors, families, residents
Mr Muhammed said three of his brothers who were miners died in Niger NSCDC custody.





