Twitter CEO Elon Musk offered a searing response to bestselling author Stephen King after losing his blue mark verification check.

King, whose account remains verified despite claiming that he does not pay for the now-required subscription, took to his account to lash out at Musk.

‘How Much Have You Donated?’: Elon Musk Torches Stephen King Over Blue Check, Ukraine https://t.co/ZH7qFvN7iW pic.twitter.com/aE4aElgzN2

— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) April 23, 2023

King's claim

“I think Mr. Musk should give my blue check to charity. I recommend the Prytula Foundation, which provides lifesaving services in Ukraine," King tweeted.

"It’s only $8, so perhaps Mr. Musk could add a bit more,” he added.

I think Mr. Musk should give my blue check to charity. I recommend the Prytula Foundation, which provides lifesaving services in Ukraine. It's only $8, so perhaps Mr. Musk could add a bit more.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 22, 2023

Musk's response

Musk soon personally replied to King with an answer and a personal question.

"I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated? (We turned down the DoD money btw)," he tweeted.

I’ve donated $100M to Ukraine, how much have you donated?

(We turned down the DoD money btw) https://t.co/wpLa6dTnP6

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 23, 2023

Ukraine Speaks

Musk also shared an October post from Ukraine leader Mykhailo Fedorov who expressed his thanks for the Starlink support.

"Thanks@elonmusk. Before all the talks about funding, you confirmed to me that in any case you will ensure the work of Starlinks in Ukraine. This was critically important for Ukraine. We are grateful to you!" he wrote.

Thanks @elonmusk. Before all the talks about funding, you confirmed to me that in any case you will ensure the work of Starlinks in Ukraine. This was critically important for Ukraine. We are grateful to you!

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) October 24, 2022

Musk shipped Starlink satellite hardware and provided free internet services for Ukraine after Russia targeted the former Soviet republic's telecommunications during its invasion.

The technology served as a critical part of Ukraine's coordinated military response that surprised Russia by thwarting the worst of its attacks and drawing support from the West in opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Musk's war of words is not the first time he has written back directly to influencers on his platform. After buying Twitter last year and privatizing the company last year, Musk has been known for controversial messages to the public and various individuals.

The latest incident shows that those who attack Musk better be ready for a response that could result in backfiring against them.

Musk continues to innovate in an effort to make Twitter a free speech platform that turns a profit, yet continues to have fun with his own messaging in increasingly public conversations.