Composers like Nicola Piovani, singers like Francesco Guccini and Piero Pelù, as well as the Social Democratic MEP Sandro Ruotolo have recently turned their backs on X.
“Musk is a threat to freedom“
“Elon Musk is a threat to democracy and freedom. In light of Musk’s extremely dangerous, neo-imperialist statements, I have decided to close my profile on X,” announced Pelù, frontman of the Italian rock band Litfiba. “Many tell me that I am crazy for making this decision, but I believe that it is fundamental today to show clear signs of civil resistance,” said the singer.
“It’s time to go,” commented the well-known Roman film music composer Nicola Piovani. EU parliamentarian Ruotolo sees the situation in a similar way. “I have decided to leave prevents me from continuing to be present on X,” emphasized Ruotolo.
Musk: “These judges have to go”
Even the doyen of Italian songwriters, Francesco Guccini, no longer wants to know anything about X (formerly Twitter). “Musk has ideas that are light years away from mine. I have no interest in communicating on a platform that helps manipulate political ideas. I don’t think anyone will miss me on X,” said Guccini.
Musk, who will be responsible for efficient governance under the future US administration under President Donald Trump, got involved on Tuesday in a dispute between the Italian judiciary and the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is good friends with the richest man in the world is. “These judges have to go,” Musk wrote on
“Toxic media platform”
The reaction came promptly from Italian head of state Sergio Mattarella. “Italy is a great, democratic country and can take care of itself,” Mattarella wrote on Wednesday. Anyone who – like Musk – should take on an “important government function” in a friendly and allied state “must respect its sovereignty and cannot make it their business to give it instructions.”
The British newspaper “The Guardian” will also no longer post on the online platform in the future due to the role of X owner Elon Musk. “The US presidential election campaign has only underscored what we have long thought: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, was able to use its influence to influence political discourse,” said the editorial team.
The portal also promotes “often disturbing content” such as right-wing extremist conspiracy theories and racism, it said. Previously blocked user accounts of well-known right-wing extremists, misogynists and conspiracy theorists were released again under Musk. The newspaper also referred to EU criticism of the content standards on X since it was taken over by the tech billionaire.
What were Francesco Guccini’s primary reasons for leaving X, the platform previously known as Twitter?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: A Departure from X**
**Editor:** We’re joined today by Francesco Guccini, renowned Italian singer-songwriter, who recently announced his exit from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Thank you for being with us, Francesco.
**Guccini:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** You’ve expressed strong sentiments against Elon Musk and his vision for X. Can you elaborate on why you feel it’s essential to leave the platform?
**Guccini:** Certainly. My decision stems from a fundamental disagreement with Musk’s ideas, which are, quite frankly, light years away from my own. I don’t wish to communicate on a platform that I believe manipulates political ideas. It’s a space that seems to thrive on misinformation and divisive rhetoric. If my voice contributes to that, then it’s not a voice I want to be part of.
**Editor:** You mentioned the manipulation of political ideas. Do you think this is a widespread issue with social media, particularly with what Musk has done since acquiring X?
**Guccini:** Yes, absolutely. Social media has the power to shape narratives and public opinion. Under Musk’s stewardship, X has shown a troubling trend towards amplifying extremism and conspiracy theories. It’s become a toxic media platform, and I can’t morally support that.
**Editor:** You’re not alone in this sentiment. Many notable figures, including Nicola Piovani and Sandro Ruotolo, have also severed ties with X. What does this collective withdrawal signify to you?
**Guccini:** It’s a clear message about civil resistance and standing up for our beliefs. Together, we’re saying that we refuse to lend our voices to a platform that we perceive as harmful to democracy and freedom. It’s about taking a stand for what we believe in.
**Editor:** Musk recently stirred controversy with his comments regarding the Italian judiciary. How do you see his influence playing out on an international scale, particularly in relation to political discourse?
**Guccini:** It’s concerning. When someone with such power attempts to interfere in the internal matters of a sovereign nation, like Italy, it raises serious questions about respect for democracy. His comments suggest an imperialistic attitude that has no place in contemporary governance. Leaders should encourage open dialogue, not dictate or threaten.
**Editor:** Italian President Sergio Mattarella has responded firmly to Musk’s intervention, reminding him of Italy’s sovereignty. Do you think this reflects a larger need for countries to assert their independence against foreign influences?
**Guccini:** Absolutely. It’s essential for every country to assert its sovereignty and maintain control over its own judicial and political systems. Strong leadership is key, particularly in a world where influential figures like Musk may seek to shape narratives that serve their interests rather than the public good.
**Editor:** Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your views. It’s clear that this conversation about social media, democracy, and individual agency is more crucial than ever.
**Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for all of us.