A decorated war hero has been banned from earning money on YouTube after criticising Prince Harry’s service in Afghanistan.
Former Army Staff Sergeant Trevor Coult was earning around £2,500 a month from videos posted on the US-owned service.
But after sharing his views about Harry and his American wife Meghan, Trevor received a message saying his channel – which had racked up over 23 million views – was being “demonitised” after complaints.
A copy of the complaints appeared to be attached, with most of the words blacked out for privacy purposes.
Trevor, 47, said: “I can’t work because of my complex PTSD so the money was a lifeline. To deprive me of a living because I criticised Harry is unfair and a massive over-reaction. What happened to free speech? Harry has repeatedly attacked the royal family, accused them of racism and effectively called his brother a bully.
“I criticise his military service and I’m victimised.”
In videos posted online, Trevor had branded Harry and Meghan a “dangerous duo” and said he believed the prince was never really in danger while serving in Afghanistan.
The dad of one also said he believed the royal’s presence in Helmand increased the likelihood of attacks against British troops.
Trevor, who completed three tours of Afghanistan with the Royal Irish Regiment and now lives in Suffolk, was told he was losing the right to make money from his posts because they breached YouTube’s bullying and harassment policy.
The Military Cross recipient said: “I stated, and this remains my belief, that Harry was never in any real danger in Afghanistan because he was so well protected.”
Trevor, who was medically discharged from the Army with complex PTSD in 2015, said: “I’ve tried to get answers from YouTube but to me, it seems social media companies are on Harry and Meghan’s side.”
YouTube and a representative for Harry and Meghan were contacted for comment.
