R. Kelly YouTube Channels Removed - Latest News

YouTube Removes R. Kelly’s Channels Following Conviction

Following R. Kelly’s conviction on sex trafficking charges, YouTube has terminated his official presence on the platform. Both the RKellyTV and RKellyVevo channels have been removed.

According to a statement provided to Reuters, R. Kelly is now prohibited from establishing or possessing any further channels on YouTube. This action aligns with YouTube’s established guidelines regarding creator responsibility.

Music Availability and User-Uploaded Content

Despite the channel removals, R. Kelly’s music remains accessible through YouTube Music. Content featuring Kelly uploaded by other users will also continue to be hosted on the platform.

Engadget has requested further explanation from YouTube regarding the rationale behind allowing user-generated content and music to remain available.

Long-Standing Campaign and Legal Proceedings

A campaign initiated by two women in 2017 sought the removal of Kelly’s music from all streaming services and radio stations. Allegations of misconduct against the singer have surfaced over several decades.

Prosecutors argued that Kelly leveraged his celebrity status to exploit vulnerable women and underage girls. A federal jury subsequently found him guilty of sex trafficking last month.

Sentencing and Potential Penalties

R. Kelly’s sentencing is scheduled for May. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

However, the potential penalties extend to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Editor’s note: This report was initially published by Engadget.