TB Joshua’s account was closed by the video streaming social media platform following allegations of hate speech over claims that he can “cure” gay people.

Youtube made the decision to close down the influential prophet's channel following a complaint by United Kingdom-based rights body openDemocracy. openDemocracy filed the complaint following a review of seven videos that were posted on TB Joshua Ministries’ Youtube channel between 2016 and 2020. In the videos, the charismatic evangelist will be conducting prayers to “cure” gay people.

TB Joshua Ministries announced that it is appealing the decision to suspend its Youtube channel which has over 1.8 million subscribers. A post on TB Joshua Ministries Facebook page reads,

Emmanuel TV’s mission is to share the love of God with everyone – irrespective of race or religion – and we strongly oppose all forms of hate speech! We have had a long and fruitful relationship with YouTube and believe this decision was made in haste. We appreciate your prayers and support as we are making every effort to appeal this decision and see the channel restored.

One of the videos has also been removed from Facebook. In the video, the preacher will be slapping one of his congregants as part of the process of casting out a “demonic spirit.” After the casting process is done, the woman declares that she has topped having “affection” to women and “now I have affections for men”.

The video was viewed more than 1.5 million times before the YouTube channel was taken down.

A Youtube spokesperson said that TB Joshua’s account had been closed because the social media platform’s policy

“Prohibits content which alleges that someone is mentally ill, diseased, or inferior because of their membership in a protected group including sexual orientation”.