Backlash is mounting on social media after a political Twitter account posted a "disgusting" tweet suggesting that Queen Elizabeth II had been "poisoned."
The Thursday tweet from PoliticsJOE depicted the ailing monarch shaking hands with the U.K's recently appointed prime minister. The caption read: "The exact moment renowned republican Liz Truss poisoned the Queen."
Although the tweet was quickly deleted, some Twitter users posted screenshots of the original.
Britain was rocked by the news Thursday that the 96-year-old queen's health had entered "uncharted territory." Several royal family members are reportedly en route to Scotland, where the queen is resting at Balmoral Castle.
Before PoliticsJOE's offending tweet was deleted, many social media users lashed out at the Twitter account, The Daily Mail reported.
"Absolutely disgraceful," someone wrote in response. "Twitter take this disgusting tweet down."
One person called for PoliticsJOE to both acknowledge and apologize for the "despicable tweet."
Another Twitter user wrote: "Wow, absolutely disgusting and angering. I cannot believe someone would say that about a lady who has given her entire life, unwavering to our country and been an absolute rock to everyone in times on need.
"Sickening. You should be ashamed of yourselves."
Some on social media further alleged that PoliticsJOE had initially doubled down on the tweet before deleting it.
Grassroots group Reasoned UK posted a screenshot of PoliticsJOE's original tweet, to which someone had replied "bit soon." To that, PoliticsJOE apparently shot back: "should we have waited until she's dead or what."
The tweet's accompanying photo was taken earlier this week when the queen appointed Truss as prime minister. Although the picture in question shows the queen smiling, certain social media users soon sounded the alarm that her right hand featured a large bruise.
But other, more uplifting queen-related posts are also currently making the rounds on social media. In one viral video uploaded to TikTok, Prince Harry is seen laughing and talking with his grandmother.
The queen's spokesperson previously told Newsweek that doctors have suggested that the monarch stay under medical supervision.
"So, that speaks volumes," spokesperson Dickie Arbiter continued. "That the family have flown up—obviously there is incredible concern. There is also concern in the UK and concern throughout the Commonwealth, which the Queen is head of.
"We are in uncharted territory because up until now Buckingham Palace have not commented on the health of the royal family in this way. So, we have to wait and see what happens."
Newsweek has reached out to PoliticsJOE for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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