Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Pharmaceutical Giant's Stock Plummets After Parody Twitter Account Announces Insulin Is 'Free'

Eli Lilly Logo with free insulin tweet
@EliLillyandCo/Twitter; NurPhoto /Contributor/Getty Images

Eli Lilly and Company saw a 4.5% drop at the stock market after the fake tweet—and their apology only seemed to make matters worse.

Late last month, Elon Musk concluded the deal to take over Twitter and it definitely has not been a smooth transition.

Musk made the decision to introduce Twitter Blue to the world which allowed anyone who pays an $8 monthly subscription fee to obtain the verified blue checkmark, once reserved for authentic public figures.


Just as nearly everyone but Musk predicted, fake—but verified—accounts took over the Twitterverse. Though many creators of the "verified" accounts likely created them in good fun, one tweet by a fake account caused a plunge in the actual company's stock.

Last week, a fake account using the handle @EliLillyandCo posted that the real company Eli Lilly and Co was giving away free insulin.

The tweet read:

"We are excited to announce insulin is free now."

@EliLillyandCo/Twitter

Given the handle had a blue check, many believed the tweet to be legit.

Just over night, the company's share price dropped more than $20 per share, from $368 to $346.

The company quickly took to Twitter to apologize for the false information, and Musk also paused the new verification system as other companies were facing similar challenges. The parody account's tweets have also been locked.

While some were glad the pharmaceutical giant clarified, many think the company should be apologizing instead for the continuously rising cost of insulin.













In response to the criticism they've received, the company pinned a post from March to the top of their profile.

It reads:

"If you or someone you know has difficulty paying for Lilly insulin, we have a comprehensive suit of insulin affordability solutions available. We want to help."

It is followed with a link to the company's solution center resource page: https://t.co/Npcbfq9AXk

Though the parody tweet definitely ignited false hopes in some, and, of course, caused the company's stock to plummet, there is definitely a lesson to be learned here.

More from Trending

Elon Musk
Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Musk's Dad Claims Elon Isn't Racist Due To Past Friendships With Family's 'Black Servants'

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's father, Errol Musk, argued there's no way his son could be racist due to his past relationships with the "black servants" who worked for the family in apartheid South Africa.

After the Tesla CEO faced scrutiny for criticizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Errol Musk was confronted by inquiries about his son's animosity toward the program.

Keep ReadingShow less
Teen getting haircut with a trimmer
Tatsiana Volkava/GettyImages

Arkansas GOP Ripped Over Bill Banning 'Gender-Nonconforming' Haircuts For Minors

Arkansas Republicans are being lambasted for introducing a bill that could punish people for supporting transgender youth's social transitions, such as the use of preferred names or pronouns, and giving gender-nonconforming haircuts.

House Bill 1668, the "Vulnerable Youth Protection Act," would allow minors and their parents to sue anyone who acknowledges another minor's gender identity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fox News Host Suggests Tesla Vandals Could Face Death Penalty In Bonkers Interview
Fox News

Fox News Host Suggests Tesla Vandals Could Face Death Penalty In Bonkers Interview

Fox News host Harris Faulkner conjured up an outrageous hypothetical scenario in which vandals setting Tesla vehicles ablaze could receive the death penalty.

The series of attacks at Tesla dealerships and charging stations involving suspects lighting Teslas on fire are being viewed as a form of protest against Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sabrina Carpenter
Samir Hussein / Contributor/Getty Images

Video Of Paparazzi Shaming Sabrina Carpenter For Refusing To Take Photos Sparks Fan Outrage

While many people are openly envious of celebrities, they tend to forget that becoming a superstar does come with its fair share of challenges.

When your face is on billboards and screens all over the world, it is very easy to be recognized.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tina Fey
Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Tina Fey Sparks Debate After Calling Out Rich Celebrities Who Have A 'Side Hustle'

Actor and 30 Rock creator Tina Fey has sparked a bit of controversy after calling out celebrities who have a "side hustle."

You know the type: Lizzo and her Yitty apparel line, Rihanna and her makeup brand Fenty, Beyoncé and her new line of something seemingly every week; the list goes on and on, and Fey isn't into it.

Keep ReadingShow less