The Controversy Surrounding Twitter's Blue Checkmarks
TL;DR
Celebrities including Ian McKellen, David Mitchell, and Neil Gaiman have had their "blue ticks" reinstated on Twitter, days after the verification badge was removed from high-profile accounts. Twitter CEO Elon Musk recently removed the "legacy verified" marks on celebrity accounts, and users now have to pay a monthly fee to be verified. However, many celebrities have had their ticks restored without paying, leading to confusion. Musk has revealed that he is personally paying for three celebrities to subscribe to Twitter Blue, after they signalled their intent not to pay.
- Ian McKellen and more call out 'madness' as 'blue ticks' restored days after removal The Independent
- Twitter's blue tick restored to high profile accounts BBC
- Twitter verified confusion leaves checkmark badge of dishonor Axios
- Outraged Blue Checks Get Their Badges Back and Really REALLY Want You to Know They Didn’t Pay $8 For Them Mediaite
- Celebrities now working to remove their apparently mandatory Twitter checkmarks The A.V. Club
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