R. Kelly’s Official YouTube Channels Cease to Exist After Guilty Verdict

In Summary

YouTube has confirmed they’ve permanently removed two of R. Kelly’s official channels from its platform, but his music will remain available.

Warning: This story contains content that may be triggering for some. 

YouTube is severing ties with R. Kelly, removing the fallen R&B singer’s channels from its platform following his guilty verdict on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, per Reuters

RELATED: #MuteRKelly Co-Founder Calls Out Sexual Violence in Black Community

The popular video platform confirmed that RKellyTV and RKellyVevo have been removed and said the singer will no longer be permitted to create or control any other YouTube channel. His entire catalog will, however, be available on the company’s audio-streaming service YouTube Music, along with videos contributed by other YouTube users. 

Since 2017, when sexual abuse allegations against him resurfaced, the #MuteRKelly movement has lobbied for platforms and radio stations to stop playing the singer’s music. 

“Thumb it down on your music streaming service of choice” and “Contact your local radio stations,” according to their website, are two ways to support and help ensure all his victims receive justice. 

“Click the thumbs down button whenever R. Kelly’s music is played on Pandora, Spotify, Google Play, Tidal, Apple Music, or whatever streaming service you use to listen to music,” the website reads. “Let them know that by financially supporting the career of a known sexual predator, they help maintain and perpetuate a system of sexual abuse against young Black women.” 

In a tweet following the YouTube termination, the organization said they’re “waiting on” YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other streaming services to follow suit. 

Following weeks of testimony from more than 40 witnesses, the jury found Kelly guilty on September 27 of several acts, including enticing and coercing a minor and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and making visual recordings of it. He was also found guilty of using threatening force to obtain sexual services from minors. 

RELATED: R. Kelly’s Godson Reacts to Guilty Verdict, Blames Sony Music 

He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars and could face up to life in prison at his May 4, 2022 sentencing. 

Kelly’s legal troubles are far from over, though. The once beloved “King of R&B” also faces charges of child pornography in his Chicago hometown. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs someone to talk to, resources are available for you here.

Latest in Entertainment

Black Girls in Media

Entertainment

‘Black Girls in Media’ Bridges Opportunity Gap for Thousands of Women 

Joe Rogan Podcast Remarks

Entertainment

White Podcast Host Joe Rogan Believes the Term ‘Black’ Is Weird

Cardi B v. Tasha K

Entertainment

Cardi B Racks Up Over $4 Million in Libel Lawsuit Against Blogger Tasha K

Bill Cosby

Entertainment

Showtime Releases Trailer for W. Kamau Bell’s Bill Cosby Docuseries 

Cardi B v. Tasha K

Entertainment

Cardi B Awarded $1.25 Million in Libel Lawsuit Against Blogger Tasha K

Amanda Gorman

Entertainment

Poet Amanda Gorman Almost Turned Down Speaking at Biden’s Inauguration

Entertainment

Spike Lee To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at DGA Awards

Virgil Abloh Final Louis Vuitton Collection

Entertainment

Louis Vuitton Shows Virgil Abloh’s Final Collection at Paris Fashion Week