Despite Elon Musk’s notice in March 2023, multiple public figures, including artists, influencers, and entrepreneurs, lost their Twitter Blue tick.
The Blue verification badge is a symbol of social media prevalent over the years. Former Twitter leadership led by Jack Dorsey introduced this blue tick for free to prove individuals’ authentication and make their accounts easily accessible.
Despite backlash from people, the company’s new owner, Elon Musk, has decided to monetize the verification checkmark.
In a tweet made in March, Elon said, “We will begin winding down our legacy verified program and removing legacy verified checkmarks on the 1st of April. To keep your blue checkmark, individuals can sign up for Twitter Blue.”
He further emphasized the deadline for removing legacy verified checkmarks.
Elon Musk wrote: “Final date for removing legacy Blue checks is 4/20.”
While this new development has stirred reactions among fans and Twitter users, major celebrities have chosen to stay mute.
Removing legacy verified badges appears to affect Nigerian celebrities and highly respected individuals in politics and other fields. It affects not only Nigerians but individuals of different nationalities.
This new policy also affected the media accounts of prominent individuals like Peter Obi, Tinubu, Tony Elumelu, Atiku Abubakar, and others.
Will Nigerian celebrities eventually sign up for Twitter Blue?
Many have shown little concern about removing the blue tick on their accounts. Celebrities like Wizkid and Davido have not spoken a word about it. However, Peter Okoye of Psquare has reacted to the sudden uproar of fans. His tweet reads, “Elon Musk is a businessman, period.”
United Bank of Africa frontman Tony Elumelu has also shown concern, saying, “Woke up to see that my verification tick has disappeared.
Wahala!”
Now that Elon Musk has initiated the legacy verified removal program, it is standard for many to inquire about restoring their blue ticks.
A few celebrities who have subscribed to Twitter Blue include:
- Cuppy
- Seyi Vibez
- Don Jazzy
A long list of those who are yet to subscribe to Twitter Blue:
- Wizkid
- Simi
- Burna Boy
- Davido
- Tems
- Omah Lay
- Asake
- Rema
- Tekno
- Fireboy DML
The list goes on…
As time passes, more celebrities should have their Twitter Blue badges back on their profile. It’s the due procedure for every Twitter user who wants to be verified.
This begs the question, will Wizkid and Davido adhere to Elon Musk’s policy?