New York, NY – The New York Times Twitter account has lost its coveted blue checkmark after refusing to pay a measly $7 monthly fee. The verification badge, intended to authenticate the account as legitimate, was stripped from the account after it failed to meet Twitter’s new policy.
The New York Times had long enjoyed the benefits of the blue checkmark, using it to distinguish themselves from the hordes of fake news accounts that litter the platform. However, the Times was unwilling to fork over the $7 a month fee, even though it is chump change for a media giant like them.
In a shocking twist, tech billionaire Elon Musk swooped in to save the day. Musk, who is known for his charitable acts and quirky sense of humor, gifted the Times their own special checkmark: a clown face.
“We are thrilled to receive this special honor from Mr. Musk,” said Times editor-in-chief Dean Baquet. “We believe that the clown face truly captures the spirit of our brand and our commitment to bringing the news to our readers in a way that is both informative and entertaining.“
The clown face, now proudly displayed next to the Times’ handle, has caused a stir on Twitter. Some have praised the move as a brilliant PR stunt, while others have criticized Musk for making a mockery of the verification process.
“It’s a disgrace,” said one Twitter user. “This just shows that anyone with enough money can buy their way onto the platform.“
Despite the backlash, the Times seems unfazed. They have embraced the clown face as a symbol of their commitment to journalism.
“We may have lost our blue checkmark, but we have gained something far more valuable: a sense of humor,” said Baquet. “And in these dark times, that’s something we could all use a little more of.“
