There were many celebrities who threw a hissy fit when their Twitter verification badges were revoked last week. However, Stephen King wasn’t pleased when his Twitter verification badge was restored by Elon Musk.
Last week, Twitter began revoking legacy blue checkmarks for those who don’t pay $8 for the “Twitter Blue” subscription. Celebrities couldn’t fathom having their blue checkmarks taken from them, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Bette Midler, and Alyssa Milano.
Stephen King noticed that his verification badge was revoked, but then quickly reinstated.
“My Twitter account says I’ve subscribed to Twitter Blue. I haven’t. My Twitter account says I’ve given a phone number. I haven’t,” the horror writer tweeted on Thursday.
Musk replied to King, “You’re welcome namaste.”
You’re welcome namaste 🙏
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 20, 2023
The billionaire revealed that he is personally paying for the Twitter Blue subscriptions of King, NBA legend LeBron James, and “Star Trek” actor William Shatner.
Not content with having his verification restored, King turned the situation into an opportunity to virtue signal. The liberal King told Musk to give the $8 subscription fee and more to the Prytula Foundation, a charity that has a self-described focus of “strengthening the Defense Forces of Ukraine and providing assistance to the civilians affected by Russian aggression.”
“I think Mr. Musk should give my blue check to charity. I recommend the Prytula Foundation, which provides lifesaving services in Ukraine. It’s only $8, so perhaps Mr. Musk could add a bit more,” King tweeted on Saturday.
Musk silenced King with one question.
“I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated? (We turned down the DoD money btw),” Musk fired back.
Musk included an October 2022 tweet from Ukraine’s digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanking the Tesla CEO for donating Starlink internet systems.
At the time of publication, the progressive King had yet to respond to Musk’s question about his donations to Ukraine.
I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated?
(We turned down the DoD money btw) https://t.co/wpLa6dTnP6
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 23, 2023
The SpaceX CEO sent Starlink internet systems to Ukraine after the Russian invasion.
In March 2022, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Musk he was “grateful” for the Starlink systems.
“Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects. But I’ll talk about this after the war,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
I would like to personally thank Mr King for his contributions to my household! During the great toilet paper shortage of 2020, his books came in real handy! Thanks Steve!
I think it is hilarious that Musk pays for King’s membership to Twitter! It’s not because Musk has any softhearted feelings for King. It’s because it aggravates King that his like minded liberals in Hollywood will wonder why King is Musk’s favorite? The psychology Musk uses to tame these idiots is high entertainment, indeed!