Elon Musk has been trolled over his latest Twitter rules (Pictures: Backgrid / Getty / Reuters)
Some of the biggest stars in Hollywood have mocked Elon Musk over his decision to introduce an impersonation rule on Twitter.
The Tesla founder completed a controversial takeover of the social media platform last month and promptly announced widespread changes across the site – including the decision to charge $7.99 for users to be verified.
Over the weekend, this led to a string of celebrities changing their profile name and picture to the billionaire businessman, including Kathy Griffin and Sarah Silverman – something Elon was unimpressed by, and has now attempted to put a stop to.
After he confirmed that Twitter accounts ‘engaging in impersonation’ without being a parody would be ‘permanently suspended, Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer joked: ‘He just… sucks at this.’
The comedian vowed he wouldn’t be among those leaving the platform altogether, but shared a link to another social media platform where he could also be found.
George Takei, who also insisted that he would remain tweeting to offer positivity, subtly changed his account bio to make light of the situation.
George Takei announced that he would remain on Twitter (Picture: Getty)
‘I am a parody of myself, if anyone wonders if this is really me,’ he wrote.
In a string of tweets, he later added: ‘Speaking honestly. If accounts can be suspended for false impersonation, they should be able to be suspended for other harmful activity like hate speech, disinformation, and incitement of violence.
‘We’ve learned enough over these years on social media to understand the need.
‘We all want a place where we can express ourselves without the fear of being targeted and harassed. Advertisers want a place where their brands aren’t next to ugly words or bullying threats.
George announced that he was a ‘parody of himself’ (Picture: Twitter)
‘That’s what this place should be and remain.’
Responding to a post from Rex Chapman, who highlighted how many other users were posting under similar handles to his own, Mark Hamill replied: ‘Now do me. Turns out there’s actually another guy named Mark Hamill, but the others have no excuse.
‘Not a big issue, but odd nonetheless.’
Kathy Griffin found herself on the wrong side of Elon’s rules after she impersonated the businessman, changing her name and profile picture to his own.
Mark also appeared to make light of the rules (Picture: Getty)
Following the move, she took the opportunity to post political statements regarding the upcoming election – but then found that her account had been removed.
A message on her page now reads: ‘Account suspended. Twitter suspends accounts that violate the Twitter Rules.’
Clearly upset by the practical joke, Elon tweeted: ‘Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying “parody” will be permanently suspended.
Kathy Griffin found herself axed from the platform (Picture: Getty)
‘Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning.
‘This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue.
‘Any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark.’
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Replying to a tweet on the suspension, he added: ‘Actually, she was suspended for impersonating a comedian. But if she really wants her account back, she can have it.
‘For $8.’
Kathy got the last word when she reactivated her late mom’s account, @TipItMaggieG, to reply: ‘I’m back from the grave to say… #FreeKathy #TipIt.
‘Oh by the way this is KG. I’m tweeting from my dead mother’s account. She would not mind. [sic].’
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‘He just… sucks at this.’
