YouTube has taken action against Emmanuel TV, the only official channel of TB Joshua’s megachurch, following allegations of hate speech violations.
The termination of Emmanuel TV’s channel occurred in the wake of investigations by the BBC and openDemocracy, which unveiled extensive evidence of sexual abuse and torture associated with the late Nigerian televangelist. Emmanuel TV, instrumental in propelling TB Joshua to international fame from his humble beginnings as a local pastor, faced repercussions for its content.
The demise of TB Joshua in 2021 marked a transition of leadership to his wife, Evelyn Joshua, who now oversees the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan). Despite the grave accusations and the recent removal of its YouTube channel, the church has remained silent, merely dismissing previous allegations as baseless.
Emmanuel TV’s online presence, once boasting over half a million followers and hundreds of millions of views, now faces scrutiny and condemnation for its content.
This isn’t the first time Emmanuel TV has encountered trouble with YouTube. Within a span of three years, the channel has been suspended twice due to violations of the platform’s community guidelines.
The recent investigation conducted jointly by the BBC and openDemocracy revealed disturbing content, prompting action from YouTube. The analysis uncovered approximately 50 videos deemed “abusive” on Emmanuel TV’s YouTube platform, leading to the channel’s suspension on January 29.
According to statements made to the BBC, YouTube cited hate speech policies as the basis for terminating Emmanuel TV’s channel. TB Joshua, renowned for his purported healing ministries, featured prominently in the channel’s content, showcasing alleged miracles and interventions. However, former members of the church have come forward to debunk these claims, casting doubt on the authenticity of the touted healings and interventions.
Among the contentious content flagged by openDemocracy were instances of individuals with mental health issues restrained in chains, dissemination of medical misinformation, and smear campaigns targeting women who dared to expose TB Joshua’s sexual abuse. The removal of Emmanuel TV’s channel underscores the gravity of the allegations and the imperative to address the misuse of platforms for disseminating harmful content.
