Twitter CEO Elon Musk got into a humorous spat with celebrity author Stephen King about Ukraine on Sunday.
King took to Twitter to complain that he received a verification “blue check” despite never signing up for Twitter Blue. “My Twitter account says I’ve subscribed to Twitter Blue. I haven’t. My Twitter account says I’ve given a phone number. I haven’t,” King tweeted.
In response, Musk revealed he was paying for King’s verification. Musk is also paying for LeBron James’ verification check as well.
You’re welcome namaste 🙏
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 20, 2023
King decided to take this Musk response as an opportunity to virtue signal and criticize the tech billionaire. “I think Mr. Musk should give my blue check to charity,” King wrote in another tweet. “I recommend the Prytula Foundation, which provides lifesaving services in Ukraine. It’s only $8, so perhaps Mr. Musk could add a bit more.”
Musk replied with a amazing burn on King. “I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated?”
I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated?
(We turned down the DoD money btw) https://t.co/wpLa6dTnP6
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 23, 2023
Attached to his fiery reply, Musk cited comments Ukraine’s digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov made thanking Musk for his Starlink internet donation.
In March 2022, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky also thanked Musk’s support of Ukraine. “Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects. But I’ll talk about this after the war.”
Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects 🚀. But I’ll talk about this after the war.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2022