Emmanuel TV has been terminated on YouTube. The platform is TB Joshua’s official channel transmitting miracles in his megachurch in Nigeria. YouTube cites violations of its hate speech policies. This action follows an investigation by the BBC and openDemocracy. It exposed evidence of extensive sexual abuse and torture linked to the late televangelist. Emmanuel TV, a pivotal factor in Joshua’s ascent from a local pastor to a global figure, had amassed over half a million followers. It had garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. Despite the church, now led by Evelyn Joshua, not commenting on the removal, it has consistently denied previous allegations of misconduct as “unfounded.”
- YouTube and other social media platforms face intense scrutiny for their online safety policies.
- TB Joshua passed away in 2021; Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) is currently led by his wife, Evelyn Joshua.
This marks the second suspension of Emmanuel TV’s YouTube channel in three years. It stems from previous breaches of the platform’s community guidelines. As part of the joint investigation, openDemocracy flagged at least 50 “abusive” videos on Emmanuel TV’s YouTube presence. The move prompted the platform’s decision to suspend the account on January 29. In response to the BBC, YouTube, owned by Google, stated that the termination was due to the violation of its hate speech policies.
The Hate Speech Charges against TB Joshua’s Emmanuel TV Termination on YouTube
TB Joshua gained recognition for his purported “healing” ministries. He has captured hundreds of services on film claiming to showcase his ability to cure the physically disabled and chronically ill. However, multiple former church members have since debunked these claims.
openDemocracy’s report highlighted Emmanuel’s TV footage portraying individuals with mental health issues restrained with chains. Also, there are instances of medical misinformation, and evidence of smear campaigns against women who spoke out about TB Joshua’s sexual abuse.
On January 17, MultiChoice, a South African company overseeing popular satellite services DStv and GOTv, discontinued Emmanuel TV’s satellite channel. For years, the channel had been one of the most successful Christian networks globally, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
In the aftermath of the BBC’s investigation into TB Joshua, various contributors have faced online harassment from accounts associated with the church and Emmanuel TV. Despite openDemocracy reporting the channel to YouTube, these accounts remain operational. Social media platforms, including YouTube, have faced heightened scrutiny in recent years regarding their online safety policies.
OpenDemocracy Investigations
As part of the BBC investigation, openDemocracy identified “over 50 videos amplifying abuse against Joshua’s accusers” on YouTube. Main reason why Emmanuel TV was terminated on YouTube.
Survivors revealed that these clips helped intimidate and tarnish the reputation of former followers of the ministry. Especially if they chose to publicize their experiences. Ajoke, a former church member, explained in an interview with openDemocracy,
“The idea was to have so much humiliation filmed on tape that you are both aware of it. You fear it so much and are constantly shamed by it. So much so that it’s like your voice has been shut down by it.”
Ajoke, Former Emmanul Church member