Hollywood actress Alyssa Milano, recognized for her left-leaning activism, has recently vacated her Twitter account, an action reflecting a broader trend among celebrities leaving the platform after Donald Trump’s victory. Milano has been an outspoken critic of various political figures and movements, using her platform to advocate for issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and public health measures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. From her position as a self-declared leader of the #MeToo movement, primarily during the contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh, to her fervent opposition to Trump, Milano has leveraged social media to engage in political discourse and criticism.
As of Sunday, Milano’s Twitter account was confirmed inactive, displaying a message indicating its non-existence. In contrast, her podcast, “Sorry Not Sorry,” has redirected users to BlueSky, an alternative social media network. Milano is not alone in her exodus; several high-profile celebrities, including Rob Reiner, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, and Stephen King, have also distanced themselves from Twitter since Elon Musk’s acquisition and Trump’s election. This trend signifies a disillusionment among progressive figures with the platform under its new ownership.
Milano’s past online activism was particularly intense around the time of the Kavanaugh hearings, where she utilized her platform to present herself as a prominent voice within the #MeToo movement. She didn’t shy away from vocal criticisms of both Kavanaugh and Trump, often expressing her disdain in multiple tweets that rallied support for her political stances. Milano has been vocal about her belief that Twitter had become a platform for hate and discrimination since Musk took the helm, which fueled her decision to quit.
In her criticisms of Musk, Milano notably expressed her decision to return her Tesla in favor of a Volkswagen electric vehicle, which she stated she preferred without explicitly naming Musk. This move seemed symbolic, reflecting her stance against the perceived shift in Twitter’s culture under Musk’s leadership. She also called for advertisers to boycott the platform, claiming it had become associated with white supremacy, a controversial assertion that ignited discussions about the platform’s direction and Musk’s strategies post-acquisition.
Interestingly, in these claims, Milano appeared to misunderstand the nature of Twitter’s ownership, mistakenly categorizing it as a publicly traded company when, under Musk’s management, it transformed into a private entity. This mischaracterization highlights a potential detachment from the realities surrounding the media company’s operational changes, a surprising error for someone so vocally engaged in social discourse.
The departure of Milano and other liberal celebrities from Twitter signifies a notable shift in the social media landscape, illustrating how political sentiments can influence online engagement. Their actions may serve as a barometer of the current climate and the ongoing cultural wars within the digital space, reflecting broader societal divides regarding freedom of speech, platform governance, and the implications of celebrity activism in the digital age.
