NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) blasted YouTube in a letter to the company following the demonetization of a news video discussing a story how former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli allegedly sexually assaulted Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai. YouTube, which has publicly promoted the MeToo movement, is helping Beijing rewrite history.

YouTube Is Punishing Those That Report On Peng Shuai’s Alleged Sexual Assault

“Despite the CCP’s history of human rights violations and ‘disappearing’ its own citizens, YouTube chose to demonetize the video. According to YouTube, ‘it isn’t suitable for all advertisers,’ and ‘will continue to run limited or no ads.’”

The CCP Is Attempting To Rewrite History And YouTube Is Promoting Beijing’s Propaganda

“It apparently is not enough that YouTube takes steps to censor American citizens. Now it is working with the CCP to promote its dangerous viewpoints around the world. I understand that the creators of the news program appealed YouTube’s decision, but it was upheld by your content reviewers.”

Click here to view Senator Blackburn’s letter to YouTube.

Dear Ms. Wojcicki,

I was taken aback to read a recent report about YouTube demonetizing a November 18 video from “Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar,” an online news program. This program shared the story of Peng Shuai, a Chinese tennis star who posted on social media her allegations that she was raped by a senior official in the Chinese Communist Party. After making her allegations public, Shuai disappeared from social media and has not been heard from in weeks. More, according to the news program, Shaui’s post was removed from social media within 30 minutes and related content from Chinese citizens is being taken down. Further, Chinese state media released a statement it alleged was from Peng, which recanted her accusations and said she was resting at home.

This is extremely concerning. Despite the CCP’s history of human rights violations and “disappearing” its own citizens, YouTube chose to demonetize the video. According to YouTube, “it isn’t suitable for all advertisers,” and “will continue to run limited or no ads.” It apparently is not enough that YouTube takes steps to censor American citizens. Now it is working with the CCP to promote its dangerous viewpoints around the world. I understand that the creators of the news program appealed YouTube’s decision, but it was upheld by your content reviewers.

No later than November 29, 2021, I ask that you respond to the following questions:

1. Why did YouTube demonetize the news program referenced above? Which of your content moderation criteria did it violate?
2. Did you remove this content at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party?
3. Please identify all other instances, if any, when YouTube has demonetized, blocked, or deleted content at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party.

I appreciate your attention to these important issues.