- Valerie Bertinelli was Elon Musk’s Twitter avatar this weekend, in an attempt to expose the flaws of his new verification system.
- She posted numerous tweets supporting Democratic candidates after changing her name.
- On Sunday, she changed her name and wrote “I think that I made my point.”
Valerie Bertinelli, actress, impersonated Elon Musk this weekend on Twitter. She posted and retweeted in support of Democratic candidates, under the pretense to raise awareness about his new verification system.
Bertinelli changed her first name Saturday, just after Twitter launched the billionaire’s account. Pay verification system controversialUsers must pay $7.99 per month for a blue check.
Critics expressed concern that the plan could encourage misinformation spreading by opening the door for celebrities to impersonate politicians and journalists. Several celebrities — Shonda Rhimes, Sara Bareilles included — have expressed plans to leave Twitter since Musk took over, citing concern with his leadership.
Bertinelli stated on Twitter that “the blue checkmark simply means your identity has been verified” after she had changed her name. “Scammers will have a harder job impersonating you. This no longer holds true. You are welcome to try your luck!
In support of Democratic candidates, she posted and retweeted many tweets over the next several hours.
As “Elon Musk,” she posted hashtags like #VoteBlueToProtectYourRights and shared tweets supporting gubernatorial contenders Gretchen Whitmore in Michigan and Beto O’Rourke in Texas, among others.
Other users pointed out that some of the tweets appeared to be retweeted by Musk.
—Roger ZenAF (@RogerZenAF) November 6, 2022
The actress recently appeared in Made news after Matthew Perry claimedHis memoir reveals that they kissed as Eddie Van Halen, her husband at the time, was drunk. This trending topic started on Twitter on Sunday.
She decided to change her name after the buzz about her prank grew, and wrote on Sunday: “Okey,dokey I had my fun, and I think that I made my point. I’m not a trending gal. Never was, and never will be. Everyone, have a safe Sunday! xo”
