Grammy-nominated singer John Ondrasik, whose "Blood on My Hands" garnered more than 250,000 views, claimed the removal of the clip was an attack on free speech.
"I have just received notification that @YouTube has taken down the Blood on My Hands – White House Docu-Music video," he said, while also sharing a longer statement about the incident.
"Before posting, I placed a 'Graphic Warning' disclaimer at the front of the video to let the audience know that the content would not be suitable for younger audiences due to images of Taliban atrocities," said Ondrasik. "YouTube reviewed the video and inserted a child content restriction which I appreciated and found appropriate."
WATCH: NICOLE WALLACE AND THE END OF DEMOCRACY
He then blamed the website for changing course after the video went viral, exceeding the 250,000 views. Five days after he uploaded the song, the company said it was in violation of its "graphic content policy."
Ondrasik, 57, who is known for hits like "100 Years" and "Superman," warned that YouTube's actions were a danger to free expression.
YIKES! IS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE LOSING HER 'GRIP' IN POWER STRUGGLE?
"To not show said Taliban atrocities in any artistic statement on Afghanistan would be a gross injustice to the victims and enable the Taliban's ongoing persecution of 40 million Afghan citizens," he added. "That YouTube took down the video after 5 days, as it was growing in reach, should concern anyone who values free speech and advocacy for humanitarian causes."
WATCH: FETTERMAN CONFRONTED BY A PRO-HAMAS ACTIVIST
He also accused YouTube of monetizing other videos containing similar evildoings of the Taliban, as he explored around the site for five minutes and found several.
"[This] gives me cause to ask YouTube for an explanation. Better, I would ask them to repost the video that is raising money for the private organizations rescuing high-risk Afghans, Veteran's wellness charities and Afghan refugee foundations, while bringing attention to a population that is starving, desperate, and under siege," he finished.
TESLA IN TURMOIL: MUSK OUSTS TOP EXECS AND PREPARES FOR MASSIVE LAYOFFS, WHAT'S HAPPENING?
In addition to graphic scenes of Taliban violence, the video also ridiculed President Biden — who is cited to as "Uncle Joe." Secretary of State Anthony Blinken referred to as "Winkin' Blinken" while Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley is "Willy Milley.'"
PROFESSIONAL "PROTEST CONSULTANT" CAUGHT ON VIDEO STIRRING UP CHAOS AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
YouTube later reinstated the video and apologized, telling Ondrasik the decision to pull it down had been made in error.
"This was our mistake & we've reinstated your video. So sorry this happened and thanks for being patient while we worked this out," the company said.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
