YouTube has terminated the official channel of the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua’s megachurch due to violations of its hate speech policies.
This action comes after a documentary by the BBC and openDemocracy alleged widespread abuse and torture conducted by the late preacher.
Emmanuel TV, which played a crucial role in TB Joshua’s ascent from a local pastor to a global sensation, has been affected by this decision.
Although TB Joshua passed away in 2021, his Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) is now under the leadership of his wife, Evelyn Joshua.
The church has not provided any comment regarding the channel’s removal, but it has previously denied allegations of misconduct.
Emmanuel TV had amassed over half a million followers and garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
This is the second time in three years that the channel has been suspended, as it had previously violated the platform’s community guidelines.
As part of the BBC documentary, openDemocracy examined Emmanuel TV’s online presence and discovered over 50 abusive videos on YouTube.
The openDemocracy team reported these videos to YouTube, resulting in the suspension of the account on January 29th.
In response to the BBC, YouTube, which is owned by Google, stated that Emmanuel TV was terminated due to violations of hate speech policies.
TB Joshua, known for his healing ministries, recorded numerous services where he claimed to cure individuals with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. However, former church members have since discredited these claims.
