Celebs who left X since Elon Musk takeover

Twitter was acquired by Elon Musk from October 2022 and since then the platform now called X has undergone a dramatic transformation. Musk’s sweeping policy changes from firing content moderators to reinstating banned accounts, sparked global debate. Amid the chaos, several celebrities took a stand by leaving the platform entirely.

Whoopi Goldberg was among the first celebrities to leave Twitter after Musk’s takeover. During an episode of The View, she expressed her discomfort with the growing hostility and erratic changes happening on the platform. She said it is all so messy and I’m tired of now having certain kinds of attitudes blocked and now they’re back. Whoopi emphasized the need for safe digital spaces where people can express themselves without fear of abuse. Although she left the door open for a return if things improved, she’s remained notably absent.

Supermodel Gigi Hadid deactivated her Twitter account in November 2022, describing the platform as a “cesspool of hate & bigotry.” Her exit came shortly after Twitter laid off a majority of its human rights and safety teams, which she cited as a turning point. Gigi said she no longer felt the platform was a “safe place” for anyone, especially marginalized communities. She used Instagram to explain her decision, urging followers to prioritize spaces where people “treat each other with respect.” Hadid’s departure highlighted growing concerns among public figures about the platform’s lack of accountability and direction.

The Nine Inch Nails front man and Oscar-winning composer Trent Reznor didn’t hold back in his criticism of Musk’s leadership. He called Twitter “an embarrassment” and described the current state of the platform as “toxic.” Reznor said he felt compelled to leave, despite having once appreciated the value of direct fan engagement. He particularly criticized Musk’s impulsive behavior and mocked the billionaire’s attempt to present himself as a cultural savior.

Television titan Shonda Rhimes left Twitter shortly after the Musk takeover, delivering a clear and concise farewell: “Not hanging around for whatever Elon has planned. Bye.” The celeb known for using the platform to engage with fans and promote her shows, her decision marked a major shift. Rhimes had previously praised Twitter for giving writers and showrunners a voice outside of traditional media. But as the platform changed, she felt it no longer aligned with her values.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles left Twitter just days after the Musk transition. Her final tweet read: “Welp. It’s been fun Twitter. I’m out.” She later explained in that she found the new version of the platform overwhelming and toxic. Sara has always advocated for kindness and empathy online, values she felt were disappearing from X. Since leaving, she’s stayed active on Instagram and Threads, where she continues to connect with fans in what she describes as “a more positive space.”