Alyssa Milano, known for her outspoken activism and role in Charmed, has deactivated her X account amid an ongoing feud with tech mogul Elon Musk. The 51-year-old actress had been vocal in her criticism of Musk, particularly after he acquired the platform in 2022. Her decision comes just weeks after Donald Trump's election victory, a campaign reportedly bolstered by Musk's influence.
Milano’s X profile now displays a deactivation notice, directing users to her podcast’s BlueSky account instead. This marks a notable shift for the actress, who previously vowed to remain on the platform, likening it to a “turf war.” Her departure, however, has not been without backlash. Users on X mocked the actress for her change of heart, reigniting debates over Musk’s leadership and the platform’s role in public discourse.
Milano’s Public Critique of Musk Sparks Controversy
Milano’s feud with Musk gained significant attention in 2022 when she announced she had returned her Tesla in protest of Musk’s ownership. She swapped the electric vehicle for a Volkswagen, stating at the time, “Publicly traded companies aligning with hate and white supremacy isn’t a winning business model.” Ironically, critics were quick to point out Volkswagen’s historical ties to Nazi Germany, founded under Adolf Hitler's regime in 1937.
Her statement became a lightning rod for criticism, with one user posting, “Volkswagen was literally founded by the Nazis. Talk about a self-own!” The backlash highlighted the complexities of making ethical consumer choices in today’s politically charged environment.
Milano’s actions, however, align with a broader celebrity exodus from X. She follows the likes of Mark Hamill, Gabrielle Union, and Jamie Lee Curtis, who have all left the platform citing concerns over increased hate speech. Author Stephen King also deactivated his account, describing the platform’s environment under Musk as “too toxic.”
Netizens React to Milano’s Exit
Milano’s departure sparked a mixed response on X, with users both mocking and defending her actions. Some accused her of hypocrisy, while others applauded her stance:
- @TechNoFilter: “Milano said she’d never leave X. Guess the heat was too much. Bye, Alyssa! 👋”
- @HistoryBuff77: “Wait, she ditched Tesla for VW? Does she even know its history? Irony is dead.”
- @InclusiveVoices: “Another celebrity standing against hate speech. Good for her, even if the trolls won’t stop.”
- @RealTalkConvos: “Milano deleting her account is the ultimate ‘can’t take the heat’ moment. Musk 1, Alyssa 0.”
- @PeacefulDigital: “Social media should be a safe space. Maybe Alyssa is setting the right example for others to follow.”
- @BlueSkyConvert: “Milano on BlueSky now? Finally, a platform that values inclusivity over chaos. Good riddance, X.”
Celebrities Rally Against X’s Changing Dynamics
Milano’s departure is part of a broader trend of public figures distancing themselves from Musk’s free-speech-centered policies. Critics argue that his approach has led to an increase in hate speech, making the platform less inclusive. While Musk remains a polarizing figure, his influence over the digital space and his partnerships with political figures like Trump continue to shape the platform’s future.
Milano’s decision to leave X highlights the growing divide between public figures and Musk’s leadership. Whether this exodus will significantly impact the platform remains to be seen.