YouTube disables two of R. Kelly’s channels

YouTube has banned two of R. Kelly’s channels following his sex trafficking conviction last month.

The musician used his prominence to sexually abuse women and children over 20 years, a jury ruled.

YouTube’s taken down RKellyTV and RKellyVevo, saying the action is “in accordance with our creator responsibility guidelines”.

The artist won’t be able to start any new channels, but his music will still be available on YouTube Music.

His tunes will stay on the audio-streaming site, and music videos of his that are submitted by other YouTube users will stay online.

The platform has taken down channels after convictions before, such as in the instance of USA gymnastics coach Larry Nassar, who was convicted for assaulting hundreds of young gymnasts.

R. Kelly’s set to be sentenced in May next year and could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The MuteRKelly movement, which wants the singer’s songs to stop being aired or streamed, has called on other major platforms to follow YouTube’s stance.

Newsbeat has contacted Apple, Spotify and Amazon to see if they’re making changes or not.

R. Kelly’s trial heard from 11 accusers – nine women and two men – who revealed the sexual degradation and brutality they went through.

After two days of discussion, the jury found the musician guilty on all nine charges he was facing.

He’s one of the most renowned people to face sex accusations since the #MeToo movement, which was triggered by sexual assault claims against the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein was sentenced earlier this year.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
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