Twitter has already undergone significant changes as a result of Elon Musk’s purchase of the firm. Musk referred to himself as “chief Twit,” let go of key employees, and revealed his intentions to alter the platform’s present policies around content moderation and bans. Numerous celebrities and high-profile individuals have made the decision to depart because of concerns that the modifications will permit hate speech and inappropriate content on the network.
In April, Musk initially revealed his intent to acquire the business. Actress and activist Jameela Jamil, activist Shaun King, writer of comic books Erik Larsen, wrestler Mick Foley, and others declared at the time that they would stop using Twitter if he purchased it. In late October, the $44 billion sale was completed.
Now that Musk is officially in charge, more celebrities have come out against him and made the same promise to leave, while others appeared to be uncertain.
Alex Winter
The “Bill & Ted” star promised to leave the platform and kept his word; his account is no longer active. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his last tweet was a meme about Musk taking over the platform.
Josh Gad
The actor stated that he was unsure whether he would continue to use Twitter. On October 28, he tweeted, “Large exodus happening on this platform. Not sure if I stay or not.” “I’m leaning toward staying, but if today is any indication, I’m not sure what the point is. Freedom of speech is great, but hate speech intended to incite harm (with no consequences) ain’t what I signed up for,” he tweeted.
Large exodus happening on this platform. Not sure if I stay or not. Leaning toward staying, but if today is a sign of things to come, not sure what the point is. Freedom of speech is great. Hate speech intended to incite harm, (with no consequences) ain’t what I signed up for.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) October 29, 2022
Erik Larsen
The comic book writer, who worked on The Amazing Spider-Man series in the 1990s, vowed early in Musk’s acquisition process that if the billionaire succeeded in buying the company, he would delete his Twitter account. Larsen appears to have left the platform since the acquisition.
Shonda Rhimes
“I’m not interested in whatever Elon has planned. Bye, “Two days after Musk officially purchased the company, the screenwriter and producer tweeted. Since then, she hasn’t tweeted.
Not hanging around for whatever Elon has planned. Bye.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) October 29, 2022
Tea Leoni
On October 29, the actor reportedly tweeted that she was leaving Twitter before deactivating her account.
If you want to see hate, look no further than the rising violent crime in your city thanks to the neglect of Kathy Hochul. #Zeldin2022
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) October 30, 2022
Shaun King
The activist left Twitter in April, only to return hours later. His account, however, is now private.
Ken Olin
On October 28, the actor, director, and producer announced his departure from the platform via Twitter. “Hello everyone, I’m leaving. There is no condemnation. Let us not lose hope. Let us defend our democracy. Let us try to be gentler. Let us make an effort to save the planet. Let us make an effort to be more generous. Let us strive for global peace “He wrote something.
Hey all –
I’m out of here. No judgement.
Let’s keep the faith.
Let’s protect our democracy.
Let’s try to be kinder.
Let’s try to save the planet.
Let’s try to be more generous.
Let’s look to find peace in the world.
💙— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) October 28, 2022
In a previous tweet, he stated that he would be using Tribel Social, a Twitter alternative. “I’m going to have to wean myself off of this soon-to-be Musk machine,” Olin said. The platform claims to be free of hate and “fake news.”
Amy Siskind
In April, the activist and author tweeted that she was sitting with her thoughts and watching, but she hadn’t decided whether she would remain on the platform.
On October 29, she tweeted, “This platform feels like it’s dying.” “If you decide to leave, you can find my content on Facebook. I’ve established an active, moderated community there.”
This platform feels like it is dying.
If you are leaving, you can also find my content at Facebook. I have a built an active, moderated community there. https://t.co/NN5fz3IerF
— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) October 29, 2022
Sara Bareilles
In a tweet on October 30, the singer announced her departure from the platform. “Welp. Twitter has been entertaining. I’m out. See you on other platforms, my friends. Sorry, but this one isn’t for me “She penned a letter. She hasn’t tweeted since then.
Welp. It’s been fun Twitter. I’m out. See you on other platforms, peeps. Sorry, this one’s just not for me. ❤️🙏🏼
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) October 30, 2022
Brian Koppelman
The showrunner of “Billions” tweeted that he was going to “take a breather” from Twitter and then made his account private. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in his final tweet, he directed fans to find him on Instagram and TikTok.
Jameela Jamil
The actress first announced her departure from Twitter in April. “One advantage of Elon buying Twitter is that I will *FINALLY* leave and stop being a total hazard to society here. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone “She used Twitter. She has tweeted since then, with the most recent being on October 26 – one day before Musk officially purchased the company. It’s unclear whether she’ll return, but if she keeps her promise, she won’t be on the platform as long as Musk controls it.
One good thing about Elon buying twitter is that I will *FINALLY* leave and stop being a complete menace to society on here. So it’s win win for you all really. 😂
— ❤️ Jameela Jamil ❤️ She/Her ❤️ (@jameelajamil) April 25, 2022
Gigi Hadid
The model, 27, deactivated her account after Twitter became “a cesspool of hate and bigotry,” she wrote on Instagram.
Toni Braxton
The singer was outraged by the changes she witnessed after Musk bought the company and vowed to stay away from it. “Some of the ‘free speech I’ve seen on this platform since its acquisition has shocked and appalled me. Hate speech disguised as ‘free speech is unacceptable; thus, I have decided to stay off Twitter because it is no longer a safe space for myself, my sons, and other people of color “She penned a letter.
I'm shocked and appalled at some of the "free speech" I've seen on this platform since its acquisition. Hate speech under the veil of "free speech" is unacceptable; therefore I am choosing to stay off Twitter as it is no longer a safe space for myself, my sons and other POC.
— Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) October 29, 2022
Mick Foley
In April, the wrestler stated that he was thinking about leaving Twitter. “I’ll be seriously considering leaving Twitter in the near future,” he wrote. “I have a bad feeling about where this platform is going.” His Twitter account was deactivated on October 31.
Rob Reiner
The filmmaker urged viewers not to abandon the platform. “Now is not the time to leave Twitter for those fighting to preserve our Constitutional Democracy,” he tweeted the day after the acquisition. He has tweeted since then, mostly to promote the November 8 midterm elections.
For those who are fighting to preserve our Constitutional Democracy, now is not the time to leave Twitter. Now is the time to VOTE BLUE!
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) October 28, 2022
