R&B singer R. Kelly was convicted of sex trafficking last month. In an attempt to distance from the singer, Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) YouTube announced it has removed R. Kelly’s channels from its video platform.
Two of his channels, RKellyTV and RKellyVevo, have been removed from YouTube and the singer will no longer be able to create or own any other YouTube channel. YouTube said in a statement late on Monday, following Reuters‘ request for comment.
However, the catalog of his music will be available on YouTube Music, YouTube’s audio-streaming service. The videos uploaded by other YouTube users will also be available.
“We can confirm that we have terminated two channels linked to R. Kelly in accordance with our creator responsibility guidelines,” a YouTube spokesperson told Reuters in a statement.
The MuteRKelly campaign, which wants the singer’s music to stop being broadcast or streamed, has called on other major platforms such as Spotify, Apple and Amazon to follow YouTube’s move.
Waiting on you @youtubemusic, and you too @Spotify @AppleMusic @AmazonMusic, etc.#MuteRKelly #RKellyGuilty #RKelly https://t.co/VECbaCktQa
— MuteRKelly-Official (@OffMuteRKelly) October 6, 2021
Kelly’s hit record “I Believe I Can Fly” was for years a popular choice at graduation ceremonies.
He has been found guilty of misusing his superstar status to run a scheme to sexually abuse women and children over two decades. The singer is due to be sentenced in May next year and could spend the rest of his life in prison.
