TB Joshua’s official channel YouTube terminated
Prophet TB Joshua
YouTube has terminated the official channel of Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua’s megachurch, Emmanuel TV, due to violations of the platform’s hate speech policies.
This action comes after a recent investigation by the BBC and Open Democracy revealed evidence of widespread sexual abuse and torture within the late preacher’s ministry.
Emmanuel TV played a significant role in TB Joshua’s ascent from a local pastor to a global celebrity. Although TB Joshua passed away in 2021, his Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) is now led by his wife, Evelyn Joshua. The church has not commented on the removal of its YouTube channel but has previously dismissed allegations of wrongdoing as baseless.
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With over half a million followers and hundreds of millions of views, this is the second time in three years that Emmanuel TV’s YouTube channel has been suspended for violating the platform’s community guidelines. During the joint investigation, openDemocracy identified at least 50 “abusive” videos on the channel and reported them to YouTube, resulting in the account’s suspension on January 29.
YouTube stated that Emmanuel TV was terminated for violating its hate speech policies. TB Joshua gained fame for his “healing” ministries, with numerous services claiming to showcase his ability to cure the physically disabled and chronically ill.
However, former church members have since debunked these claims. The content reported by openDemocracy included footage from Emmanuel TV showing individuals with mental health issues being restrained in chains, instances of medical misinformation, and smear campaigns against women who spoke out about TB Joshua’s sexual abuse.
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Furthermore, MultiChoice, a South African company that operates popular satellite services DStv and GOTv, dropped Emmanuel TV’s satellite channel on January 17. The channel had been one of the most successful Christian networks worldwide, reaching millions of viewers.
Following the BBC’s investigation into TB Joshua, several contributors have been subjected to online trolling by accounts affiliated with the church and Emmanuel TV. open Democracy reported these accounts to YouTube, but they have not been removed.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
