Celebrities, media outlets refuse to pay Elon Musk for Twitter Blue

ISTANBUL

Some celebrities, media outlets and even the White House are refusing to pay Twitter for a verified checkmark next to their name on the popular microblogging platform.

The premium subscription plan, called Twitter Blue, also allows users to post longer tweets and videos, edit tweets and offers several other exclusive features.

But a number of users, including some with millions of followers, have said they will not pay for the new service.

As part of the paid service, the “Verified for Organizations” program is now available worldwide, but many businesses are balking at the thought of paying the $1,000 monthly fee to retain their verified checkmarks.

The White House meanwhile has also refused to pay for a blue verification badge.

NBA star LeBron James has also said he would not pay Twitter CEO Elon Musk for the blue tick.

"Welp guess my blue check mark will be gone soon cause if you know me, I ain't paying the 5," the highest-paid NBA player of all time tweeted.

American football player Michael Thomas said he doesn't want "that raggedy blue check no way anymore."

American actor Jack Black has said he will "call Elon Musk’s bluff" for his Twitter blue tick verification.

"I’m a little embarrassed by the blue check to be honest with you. Maybe it’s cooler not to have checks. It’s definitely not cool to pay for it," he said.

Canadian actor William Shatner also said he will be not paying for a verified check mark.

"Hey @elonmusk what’s this about blue checks going away unless we pay Twitter? I’ve been here for 15 years giving my (time) & witty thoughts all for bupkis (nothing). Now you’re telling me that I have to pay for something you gave me for free? What is this - the Colombia Records & Tape Club?" he said.

American singer and actress Dionne Warwick expressed similar thoughts.

"I am not paying for a blue check. That money could (and will) be going towards my extra hot lattes," she said.

Activist-lawyer Monica Lewinsky also chimed in.

"In what universe is this fair to people who can suffer consequences for being impersonated? A lie travels half way around the world before truth even gets out the door," she posted on the platform, sharing her Instagram account in another tweet.

Media outlets, journalist also not on board

CNN journalist Larry Madowo also joined the list of famous people who lost their verification and rejected the idea of paying for it.

"I have no plans to pay for Twitter Blue at this time and neither does CNN. Twitter says my blue checkmark will soon disappear - after 12 years of being verified. Anyone will be able to create an account in my name and get it verified for $8. What could possibly go wrong?" he tweeted.

Well-known media outlets including The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, BuzzFeed, POLITICO and Vox have joined the list of organizations that are refusing to pay for Twitter Blue.