On Timcast (Rumble/Youtube), twice a panelist has stated "no point in using mastodon and activitypub because mastodon.org can cancel you anytime they want.

This seems like they missed the whole of federation. I traced packets while logging into qoto.org - and didn't spot anything from my network touching mastodon.org.

But maybe qoto.org and and other servers delegate to mastodon.org for login? I can' think of a good reason for that - but before I go on a rant I'm asking if there is any basis to the rumor.

Obviously, if you (foolishly) make your mastodon account on mastodon.org - the operators can cancel you (as they should be able to). I don't think people - even talk show hosts - understand what federation is.