Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

‘IT SADDENS ME’: Elton John quits Twitter

Singer blamed recent policy change as reason

In this Jan. 19, 2022 file photo, Elton John performs as he returns to complete his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour since it was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, in New Orleans.
In this Jan. 19, 2022 file photo, Elton John performs as he returns to complete his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour since it was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, in New Orleans. Photo by Jonathan Bachman / File Photo /REUTERS

John, who is currently on his last-ever global tour, blamed Twitter’s recent policy change as a reason for quitting.

As the Canadian national soccer teams head to their respective FIFA World Cups, Derek Van Diest is on the scene to cover all the action. Expect expert insights and analysis in your inbox daily throughout the tournaments, and weekly on Thursdays for the rest of the season.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

“All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world,” John tweeted to his 1.1 million followers.

“I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.”

All my life I’ve tried to use music to bring people together. Yet it saddens me to see how misinformation is now being used to divide our world.

 I’ve decided to no longer use Twitter, given their recent change in policy which will allow misinformation to flourish unchecked.

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 9, 2022

The 75-year-old activist and singer of hits such as “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man” joins a long list of celebrities who have quit Twitter recently including supermodel Gigi Hadid, writer Shonda Rhimes and former White Stripes guitarist Jack White.

“I love your music. Hope you come back. Is there any misinformation in particular that you’re concerned about?” Musk said in a reply to John’s tweet on Friday.

I love your music. Hope you come back. Is there any misinformation in particular that you’re concerned about?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 9, 2022

Since the Tesla Inc top boss took over Twitter in a $44 billion deal, a series of changes including charging users for a “blue tick,” the roll-back of a policy aimed at tackling misinformation related to COVID-19 and reinstating some previously suspended accounts, including that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has attracted widespread backlash.

Musk has also halved the company’s workforce and made deep cuts to its trust and safety team, which is responsible for preventing the spread of misinformation and harmful content.