A growing number of accounts linked to celebrities who have died have appeared on Twitter, raising questions about how verification works and who funds it. Reports from Bloomberg highlight that dozens of these accounts exist, including those of famous figures such as Michael Jackson and Chadwick Boseman, as well as journalists like Jamal Khashoggi. These cases prompt scrutiny over the process and the ongoing management of legacy profiles on the platform.
The mechanism behind why some deceased celebrities retain verification or appear verified remains unclear. In several instances, accounts are reportedly controlled by others after the person’s passing, and in some cases these pages show little to no activity. For example, Jamal Khashoggi’s page has shown no updates since the journalist’s death. The verification badge on these profiles is described as stemming from the account following Twitter Blue and the verification of a linked phone number, but the full verification chain is not publicly transparent.
Following Twitter’s acquisition, the company issued limited public statements, especially on the verification topic. The lack of a detailed press response has left questions about policy changes and enforcement unanswered, leaving users to interpret how verified status is granted and maintained under the new ownership structure.
Since December 2022, Twitter Verification has shifted to a paid model. The Twitter Blue subscription starts at eight dollars per month and unlocks a range of features including tweet editing, NFT avatars, and the blue checkmark. This transition marks a shift from a previously free or more selective process to a subscription-based system, with implications for how credibility and recognition are attributed on the platform.
There have been notable anecdotes about how the new system is perceived. Some observers have claimed that early subscribers received the verification badge as a perk, even in cases where the account holder faced ridicule or hostility. These stories contribute to an ongoing debate about the value and seriousness of the blue checkmark in signaling authenticity and public trust in a post-paywall era.
Experts note that verification on social platforms is a component of online identity that can influence visibility, access to features, and perceived authority. When verification becomes a paid feature, the line between legitimacy and consumer preference may blur, prompting users to reassess how they judge credibility online. The situation underscores the need for clear policies, consistent enforcement, and transparent communication from the platform about what verification represents and how it is applied to accounts associated with public figures, living or deceased.
Ultimately, the shift to paid verification invites a broader conversation about digital identity in the public sphere. Audiences expect consistent standards, accountability for verification decisions, and safeguards against misuse. As platforms evolve, users in North America and beyond look for reliable signals of authenticity, alongside practical governance that reduces confusion around who is verified and why. The evolving story continues to unfold in the wake of corporate changes and policy adjustments, with ongoing attention from media observers and researchers who study online trust and information integrity.