Michael Cotey

Chicago-based director and producer, and forever Marvel Comics enthusiast -

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

My YouTube channel was terminated for “spam, deceptive practices, and scams.” No clear reason. I appealed. Denied. Asked for a manual review. Denied again. Here’s what actually got taken down, and why it matters. 🧵
cc @EFF @MozillaInternet @TeamYouTube @accessnow

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

At the very least @TeamYouTube can provide reasonable, specific information as to why, instead of vaguely pointing at the Community Guidelines.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

YouTube says there’s nothing more they can do.
Let’s be clear: @TeamYouTube is choosing not to.
I followed every step, appealed with full context, and asked for clarity. None was given.
If posting about daycare neglect gets you banned with no explanation — that’s a choice.
🧵⬇️

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

Here’s the full story.
This isn’t just about my channel. It’s about how fragile advocacy content is when platforms offer no real transparency. https://t.co/YU3o1q6XN0

@EFF @TaylorLorenz @CaseyNewton @WillOremus @accessnow

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

My YouTube channel was terminated for “spam, deceptive practices, and scams.” No clear reason. I appealed. Denied. Asked for a manual review. Denied again. Here’s what actually got taken down, and why it matters. 🧵
cc @EFF @MozillaInternet @TeamYouTube @accessnow

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TaylorLorenz @CaseyNewton Just to be fully transparent: the channel also had two satirical videos from 2020. They've been untouched for 5 years and were clearly parody. If those were somehow the issue, YouTube never said so. Based on the timing, I still believe this was about the daycare videos.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

My YouTube channel was terminated for “spam, deceptive practices, and scams.” No clear reason. I appealed. Denied. Asked for a manual review. Denied again. Here’s what actually got taken down, and why it matters. 🧵
cc @EFF @MozillaInternet @TeamYouTube @accessnow

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

This isn’t just about one channel. It’s about what platforms are doing when advocacy and documentation collide with vague enforcement. We need transparency. We need recourse.
If this concerns you, share it. Ask questions. We deserve better.
cc @TaylorLorenz @CaseyNewton

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TeamYouTube Thanks for confirming, though I’m still disappointed there was no specific explanation. These were videos documenting real-world daycare neglect, tied to a GoFundMe and legal action. A troubling precedent for advocacy content.

cc @EFF @MozillaInternet @TeamYouTube

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TeamYouTube My small channel was removed after I posted videos showing landlord neglect at a daycare—part of a GoFundMe supporting legal action. I appealed but was denied. I believe this was a false flag. Can this be escalated for manual review? Channel: https://t.co/zPKQFEfQFz

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TeamYouTube Hi @TeamYouTube - just checking in to see if there are any updates on my case. Appreciate the review and your time on this!

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TeamYouTube Thanks so much @TeamYouTube — I really appreciate the second look. These videos were part of a public advocacy effort tied to a GoFundMe and legal action. Hoping for a fair review with full context. Standing by, and grateful for the help.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@TeamYouTube Appreciate the response, @TeamYouTube and hoping for a positive outcome. My channel was removed after posting short videos documenting landlord neglect — tied to a GoFundMe and legal action. Appeal and manual review denied, now awaiting next steps via DM.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

The daycare has since closed. These short videos were part of a public effort to document unsafe conditions and support legal action. Here’s the campaign: https://t.co/ZsPwJijNRd. False flagging should not silence community advocacy.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@LalaTellsAStory Oh no, get out of the house now! That cat is clearly out for blood.

[Michael Cotey @michaelcotey]

@gracieleeart Chicago's gun violence statistics Jan-Nov 2016 represented in 3,783 gun shell casings: 599 red shells = deaths and the rest representing shooting related injuries. 6yrs later this creature still walks among us. America's current mascot/boogeyman. #ArtistsForPeace @davidhogg111

[Change the Ref 🟧 @ChangeTheRef]

A message from Joaquin Oliver’s dad:
“Speak, dream, and create for so many who can’t. For my son, Joaquin.”

A call for TEEN WRITERS to write and submit 10-MIN PLAYS confronting GUN VIOLENCE. Now through Nov 1.

https://t.co/BO9IyNgIRi
#sayingenough @enoughplays @ChangeTheRef