Social media was stunned this month following the sudden passing of beloved influencer Michael Willis Heard, known online as @LoveandlifeTV. The 47-year-old was known for his spiritual affirmations and for originating the viral and explicit TikTok sound, “Yes King.” Though his spicy audio brought him online fame, Heard was celebrated more deeply for his content, which successfully combined faith, sexuality, and self-empowerment, ultimately leading to a massive fan following.
Suggested Reading
Heard gained fame from the viral “Yes King” soundbite, which originated from an intimate video shared on social media in which his male partner was heard affirming him while doing the horizontal mambo. The audio quickly became a popular meme , helping the creator leverage his platform to share spiritual messages. In fact, there are countless videos of him sharing motivational messages of joy and empowerment to his followers, just like this video.
On November 9, Heard’s death was confirmed on Facebook by his daughter, Mykel Crumbie, who shared an emotional tribute accompanied by a collage of photos.
“IDC who didn’t love my father and didn’t like his lifestyle and WISHED DEATH ON HIM!THIS WAS THE GREATEST MAN TO LIVE ON THIS EARTH!” Crumbie wrote.
Following the announcement, tributes to the “Yes King” viral star began to flood social media timelines. YouTuber Davyon Augustus shared his thoughts.
“Some of you may know him as a content creator of many sorts, he was a life coach as a well as a pastor,” Augustus wrote in an Instagram post. He goes on to share that Heard passed following an asthma attack that led to a heart attack, which ultimately left him brain-dead.
“As shocked as I am about this news I also know this is one man who lived his life as freely and fully as possible so I have no doubts that he has transitioned without many regrets!”
Before launching his content career, Heard served as a pastor and counselor who openly discussed his identity as a queer man.
While he served as a cornerstone to social media, TikTok creator @TheZactivist highlighted how his life may have been short, but it was full of accomplishments.
“Michael Willis Heard was an ordained pastor, spiritual leader, life coach and entrepreneur who openly discussed the challenges of reconciling his Christian faith with his identity as a man who loved other men,” TheZactivist said. He went on to explain how Heard “created podcasts and videos that focused on self-love, healing and overcoming adversity.”
Heard’s goal was always to create a space for positivity. The popular content creator used his platform to share uplifting messages that spread love and encouragement among his viewers. While he openly worked in adult entertainment and remained active on subscription platforms, which challenged conventional discussions around sexual identity and spirituality, his ultimate impact left a mark among his devoted fans.
Fans poured their hearts out over Heard’s passing.
One TikTok user wrote, “He lived authentically, loved deeply, and encouraged everyone around him to do the same. His energy, warmth, and message will continue to inspire us all.”
Over on X, the love could be felt as one user posted:
“Thank you Michael Willis Heard for all the joy you brought to me and so many others,” a Threads user wrote. “This is a sad day for the world. Thank you, King.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.