April 10, 2020

Diamond And Silk Twitter Account Temporarily Suspended For COVID-19 Misinformation

If only the person they support could have his Twitter account suspended, too.

Fervent Donald Trump supporters and Fox Nation hosts Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson, better known as Diamond and Silk, have had their Twitter account suspended for spreading misinformation on the COVID-19 outbreak in violation of the social media platform’s policy, according to Newsweek

Twitter specifically laid out that is enforcing rules forbidding COVID-19 misinformation on March 16. According to Newsweek, “Its expanded policies require users to delete tweets that misleadingly claim to be from government or medical officials, tweets that contradict expert recommendations, tweets that endorse fake coronavirus treatments, and tweets alleging that members of any group or nationality are more responsible for or susceptible to the virus.”

Through a spokesperson, Twitter confirmed it had locked Diamond and Silk’s account for a tweet criticizing the coronavirus crisis stay-at-home orders and suggesting that people should be “out in the environment.”

“The Tweet is in violation of our COVID-19 misinformation policy. The account will be locked until the account owner removes the Tweet,” the spokesperson said.

Twitter users immediately pointed out the missteps by the duo.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Fox Nation hosts Diamond and Silk are making false claims and encouraging people to “be out in the environment.” pic.twitter.com/O0JY5VPn1l

— Zachary Petrizzo (@ZTPetrizzo) April 8, 2020

The since-deleted Tweet stated, “The only way we can become immune to the environment; we must be out in the environment. Quarantining people inside of their houses for extended periods will make people sick!” Diamond and Silk told their 1.4 million Twitter followers.

Under Twitter’s policy, tweets must be removed that issue a “denial of global or local health authority recommendations to decrease someone’s likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 with the intent to influence people into acting against recommended guidance, such as: ‘social distancing is not effective,’ or actively encouraging people to not socially distance themselves in areas known to be impacted by COVID-19 where such measures have been recommended by the relevant authorities.”