KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Some celebrities have decided to bid farewell to Twitter after Elon Musk's US$44 billion (RM207.7 billion) acquisition of the social media network.
Worried over a hate-speech free-for-all and fears of reinstating privileges to those who have been banned like ex-president Donald Trump., PerezHilton reported that an exodus of sorts appears to have already begun.
Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes tweeted earlier today to her 1.9 million followers: “Not hanging around for whatever Elon has planned. Bye.”
Not hanging around for whatever Elon has planned. Bye.
Advertisement— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) October 29, 2022
This Is Us executive producer Ken Olin declared to 300,000 followers on Friday: “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.”
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
Billions showrunner Brian Koppelman echoed the sentiment with : “Y’all’s, for real, come find me over on instagram and the tok. Gonna really try to take a breather from here for a minute or a month come deal close time.”
Bill & Ted star Alex Winter deleted his entire Twitter history save for two retweets.
Actor Josh Gad however seemed on the fence about whether he was going to quit the site:
“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.” However, others have the opposite stance on the situation and feel everyone should stay on Twitter to fight back if it stops regulating hate speech."
Star Trek icon George Takei expressed this sentiment, writing: “Twitter feels a little like America may feel if the Republicans take back Congress. All the crazies would immediately begin testing the awful limits of how far they can push things.”
He however insisted he was not going anywhere.
I’m not going anywhere. And my follower count actually rose! We need each other’s voices and strength, and I’ve never shied from a fight. When Twitler and the other deplorable are let back on here, I’ll be more than a thorn in their side.Follow me for more great tips.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 29, 2022
Director Rob Reiner pleaded with followers to stay on the platform, stressing: “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!” We’ll have to keep an eye out if any more celebs decide to leave Twitter — or even how long the ones who vowed to leave even stay off it.
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
Some said they were going to quit Twitter when Elon first bid to take over the company in April but changed their minds, including Jameela Jamil, who tweeted at the time: “I fear this free speech bid is going to help this hell platform reach its final form of totally lawless hate, bigotry, and misogyny. Best of luck.”
She however deleted the tweet and returned to the platform.
It's left to be seen if more stars will actually leave the bird app.
