Prominent liberals have expressed anger and fear over Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and his plans for the platform’s approach to free speech and censorship, with many saying they are going leave the platform and others issuing grim warnings about its future.
Liberals on Twitter struggled to come to terms with Musk’s finalized purchase of the company on Friday. Musk took over the company Thursday and fired multiple executives upon arrival, including Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal and Vijaya Gadde, the head of legal policy, trust, and safety. The billionaire is discussing a reversal of all permanent bans. This was not received well by his critics.
MUSK EXPECTED TO END PERMANENT BANS AS CEO OF TWITTER
“Elon Musk fired folks at Twitter, so I’m firing Elon, as I said I would,” tweeted former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. “Hope to see you all on another platform.”
Hi Twitterverse, Elon Musk fired folks at Twitter so I’m firing Elon, as I said I would. Hope to see you all on another platform. I’ll stay on this one today for your suggestions. Thanks for all you’ve contributed. I still wear Brooks shoes ( made in USA) thanks to you.
— Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) October 28, 2022
Some accounts have alleged that they lost followers due to people leaving the platform over Musk’s influence. “So, I’ve lost almost 6000 followers in the last three days. Is it because of the new twit owner?” actor Mark Hamill asked.
So, I’ve lost almost 6000 followers in the last three days. Is it because of the new twit owner… or not posting enough cute animal videos lately? ? ? https://t.co/28t1nNAiV0
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) October 28, 2022
Others have treated staying as a sort of resistance to Musk’s views. “Bring on Elon … Shitler … or any other man-baby … I ain’t going anywhere,” tweeted former actor George Hahn.
“Stay. Hold your ground like a Ukrainian,” tweeted MSNBC commentator Tristan Snell.
Stay. Hold your ground like a Ukrainian.
— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) October 28, 2022
Musk’s finalized acquisition of Twitter brings months of legal tension to a conclusion as he pays $44 billion to acquire the social media company. “The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence,” he said in a note to advertisers on Thursday.
Musk has called himself a “free speech absolutist” and has stated multiple times that he opposes Twitter’s previous approach to content moderation, including the permanent ban of former President Donald Trump.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Musk offered to buy the company in April, only to terminate the agreement in July over allegations of fake bots. He then reversed his position in early October when he sent a letter to Twitter agreeing to uphold his initial offer once Twitter’s lawsuit ended and he had the relevant funding from the banks.
