Lbry may not censor what people put up after they have an account, but they are the most controlling when trying to get monetized in the first place. They do complete background checks on every person who signs up. I was turned down because I didn't have any posts or friends on discord, facebook, github, twitter, etc.
I had signed up on each just to get rewards (they don't check my rep. on flote, hive, steemit, bitchute - no, they only check the horrible companies that track and record peopl's interactions.
Regarding Joe, they are likely buying his compliance as the rich did with CNN, NBC, and the other usual suspects.
You don't need anything to be able to post stuff on LBRY and make money. The company's freebie incentive program is what they're more strict with (so they don't run out of money). But any user can tip you without their control.