Tesla CEO Elon Musk ‘Personally Paying’ for Twitter Blue for LeBron James, Two Others
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has admitted that he is “personally paying” for the divisive Twitter Blue subscription for three high-profile figures: LeBron James, William Shatner, and Stephen King.
Twitter Blue: A Controversial Subscription Service
Twitter Blue is a subscription service that offers various features, including an edit button, a blue checkmark, and the ability to post longer videos. The service was launched under Musk’s leadership and has sparked controversy among users.
One of the most contentious changes is the removal of “legacy” verification checkmarks from users who had been verified under the previous regime. This has affected numerous high-profile celebrities and organizations.
LeBron James’s Criticism of Twitter Blue
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the first to criticize the plans to remove blue checkmarks. He tweeted that he would refuse to pay for Twitter Blue, stating, “If you know me, I ain’t paying the 5 [dollars].”
Musk’s Admission and Explanation
In a recent tweet, Musk acknowledged that he is only paying for three Twitter Blue subscriptions, with one going to LeBron James. The other two recipients are William Shatner, a former Star Trek actor, and Stephen King, a renowned novelist.
Musk’s explanation for his actions is unclear. He has not publicly stated why he has chosen to pay for these particular individuals’ subscriptions.
Stephen King’s Confusion and Criticism
Stephen King, who has been a vocal critic of Musk, tweeted that his Twitter account shows he is subscribed to Twitter Blue despite not having signed up for the service. Musk responded with a cryptic tweet saying, “You’re welcome namaste.”
King’s experience highlights the confusion and technical issues surrounding the rollout of Twitter Blue. It remains to be seen how Musk will address these challenges and whether he will continue to personally pay for the subscriptions of select individuals.
Implications for the Future of Twitter
Musk’s actions and the controversy surrounding Twitter Blue raise questions about the future of Twitter and the role of verification on the platform.
Critics argue that the removal of legacy verification checkmarks undermines the platform’s credibility, as users can no longer easily distinguish between legitimate accounts and potential imposters.
Supporters of Twitter Blue argue that the subscription service provides additional features and financial support for the platform. They contend that the blue checkmark is now a paid feature rather than an indicator of account authenticity.
It remains to be seen how the ongoing debate over Twitter Blue will shape the future of the platform. Musk’s actions have certainly added to the uncertainty and controversy surrounding his ownership of Twitter.