Elon Musk tells William Shatner that Twitter shouldn't have different standards for celebrities when it comes to $8 blue checkmarks

• Elon Musk told William Shatner there shouldn't be different standards for celebrities on Twitter.
• Shatner complained to Musk about having to pay for a blue checkmark on his Twitter account.

Elon Musk hit back at William Shatner after the actor complained about the blue checkmark on his Twitter account disappearing unless he pays for it.

Shatner, the "Star Trek" actor, was responding to Twitter's plans to scrap legacy verified blue ticks from users' accounts starting on April 1. Twitter says the only way users can keep their blue ticks is by signing up to Twitter Blue, a monthly subscription which costs $8.

"Hey Elon Musk what's this about blue checks going away unless we pay Twitter?" Shatner tweeted.

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Shatner — who is also known for his iconic 1978 spoken-word cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man" — went to the edge of space in Blue Origin's rocket in October 2021, added he'd been on the platform for 15 years giving his time and "witty thoughts all for bupkis."

"Now you're telling me that I have to pay for something you gave me for free? What is this — the Colombia Records & Tape Club?" he asked.

Shatner appeared to be referring to Columbia House Records, a music club established in the 1950s. People joined Columbia House for a fee and got some music records free.

Just over 12 hours later, Musk quote-tweeted Shatner, saying: "It's more about treating everyone equally. There shouldn't be a different standard for celebrities imo."

Musk announced in November that Twitter would introduce an $8 monthly fee for users who want to be verified and keep the blue checkmark. Twitter Blue will offer users the ability to post long-form videos, see fewer ads, and have priority in search, according to Musk.

Stephen King, Josh Gad, and Lynda Carter were among the celebrities to criticize Musk over charging Twitter users for a blue tick.

Multiple celebrities — including Adam McKay, Jim Carrey, Shona Rhimes, and Elton John — quit Twitter after Musk acquired the platform in late October. Some cited concerns over misinformation and safety on Twitter.

Insider contacted Twitter for comment. The company responded with an automated message which didn't address the inquiry.

Before Blue Origin sent Shatner into space on an 11-minute journey, Musk commented "Godspeed Captain" on NASA's Twitter post. Following the flight, the billionaire tweeted: "Congrats, was cool to send William Shatner to space."