Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett has issued a dire warning about the consequences of tech billionaire Elon Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter.
Musk, 50, acquired the social media giant for $61 billion last week and pledged to boost the platform so it can realize its potential as the world’s “digital city square.”
“It’s dangerous,” Blanchett, 52, told Variety of Musk on Twitter while attending the Chaplin Prize Gala in New York City on Monday.
‘Very, very dangerous’: Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett (left) issued a dire warning about the consequences of tech billionaire Elon Musk (right) recently taking over Twitter.
‘That’s all I have to say. The star is not looking for something very dangerous.
Blanchett isn’t the only Hollywood star to criticize Musk’s control, with several “awake” celebrities including Jameela threatening to quit Twitter in protest.
The Good Life actress tweeted on Monday that Musk’s promise of “freedom of speech” would lead to “outlaw hatred, bigotry and misogyny” on the platform.
Criticism: It’s dangerous. That’s all I have to say. It’s very dangerous, Blanchett said of Musk’s takeover of Twitter while attending the Chaplin Prize Awards in New York City on Monday.
Jamil, who vowed not to tweet again, added: “Ah he’s got Twitter. I would like this to be what lies here as my last tweet.
Actress-turned-activist Mia Farrow also tweeted: “Well if Twitter gets more toxic…it will be taken less seriously, and people like me will quit – for peace of mind.”
British TV presenter Philip Schofield said on Wednesday he had deleted the Twitter app from his phone because he didn’t want ‘any part of it’ in his life – even though his account is still active.
‘My last tweet’: Blanchett isn’t the only Hollywood star to criticize Musk’s takeover, as several ‘awake’ celebrities including Jamila Jamil (pictured) threaten to ditch Twitter in protest
DELETED: British TV presenter Philip Schofield said on Wednesday he had deleted the Twitter app from his phone because he didn’t want ‘any part of it’ in his life – even though his account is still active.
This morning’s presenter described the platform as a “sucking pit” of “vile and disgusting” trolls.
Star Trek representative, George Takei, has also expressed concerns about Musk’s takeover, but has so far refused to withdraw from the platform on ethical grounds.
Instead, the 85-year-old vowed to redouble his efforts to make Twitter a place for civilized discussion.
Continuing: Star Trek actor George Takei (pictured) has also voiced concerns about Musk’s takeover, but has so far refused to leave the stage on ethical grounds
‘I will not go anywhere. If this place becomes even more poisonous, I pledge to do my best to raise common sense, science, compassion, and the rule of law. The struggle against fascism, disinformation and hate requires strong fighters.
Musk, the world’s richest person and a prolific Twitter user, has a controversial past with the app, and his decision to make the company private is likely to have major repercussions for a service used by more than 300 million people, including many world leaders.
The Tesla and SpaceX chief insists that his takeover was motivated not by economic gains, but by a desire to protect Twitter as a venue for free speech rather than censorship.
Elon’s plan: In recent weeks, Musk has suggested easing Twitter’s content restrictions, while ridding the platform of fake “spambot” accounts and switching away from advertising as the primary revenue model.
New boss: Meanwhile, Twitter has guaranteed its employees their jobs for the next six months and has confirmed that “there are no plans to lay off workers.” However, once the Tesla boss takes charge, any HR decisions will fall back to him
Having a public platform that is maximally reliable and extensively comprehensive is critical to the future of civilization. In a recent public talk, he said: “I don’t care about economics at all.
In recent weeks, Musk has suggested easing Twitter’s content restrictions, while ridding the platform of fake “spambot” accounts and moving away from advertising as its primary revenue model.
Musk thinks he can boost revenue with subscriptions that give paying customers a better experience — and maybe even an ad-free version of Twitter.
Meanwhile, Twitter guaranteed its employees their jobs for the next six months and confirmed that “there are no plans to lay off workers.”
However, once the Tesla boss takes charge, any HR decisions will fall back to him.
