YouTube permanently removed two official channels of R. Kelly, named, RKellyTV and RKellyVevo. He has also been prohibited from creating, using or owning any other channels on YouTube.
R. Kelly’s Channels
Bump N Grind, I Believe I Can Fly, Ignition and more such famous songs from R. Kelly were listen in these channels that combinedly had more than 5 million subscribers.
However, YouTube will permit other users to upload his music content. Users will also be able to stream his music on YouTube Music.
The Conviction
YouTube’s move was on the basis that permits them to suspend a channel if the owner pleads guilty or is convicted for blatant crimes and the content of their channel has connection to these crimes.
R. Kelly was prosecuted on the basis that he exploited his celebrity status in the music industry to sexually abuse women. He was charged with 14 Acts including sex trafficking, child exploitation, kidnapping and bribery.
What YouTube Has to Say
Nicole Alston, Vice President of Legal with YouTube, said that by removing the two channels of R. Kelly they were trying to protect their users, just like other platforms.
