YouTube removes R. Kelly's official channels, but keeps music, in wake of singer's sex trafficking conviction
CBSN
YouTube has removed two of R. Kelly's official channels, saying that the singer's alleged history of abuse and recent conviction can cause harm to the company's community and potentially damage creator and user trust, the company told CBS News. The move comes a week after Kelly was found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering.
A YouTube spokesperson said the decision was based on the singer abusing his power in the music industry to commit crimes, and that his actions were a violation of the company's creator responsibility guidelines. Two of his channels, RKellyTV and RKellyVevo, were removed.
Kelly will not be allowed to create or own any other channel going forward, a YouTube spokesperson said, but his removal does not prevent other creators from uploading content related to Kelly or his music. Kelly's music will also remain available on YouTube Music.
