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 reasons are Italian artists like Piero Pelù citing for leaving the platform X?
**Interview with Italian Singer Piero Pelù: Why He and Others Are Leaving X**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Piero Pelù. It seems that artists and public figures are taking a stand against Elon Musk and his platform, X. What motivated your decision to leave?
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X was driven by my concerns about democracy and freedom. Unlike many, I believe that taking a stand is crucial. Musk’s statements and actions are alarming, and I can’t support a platform that becomes a tool for manipulation.
**Editor**: You mentioned civil resistance in your announcement. Can you elaborate on what that means for you?
**Piero Pelù**: Civil resistance means showing a clear disapproval of actions or beliefs that threaten our values. By stepping away from a platform that I feel compromises these values, symbolically, I hope to inspire others to question where they invest their online presence.
**Editor**: Do you think this wave of discontent is part of a larger cultural shift among artists and public figures?
**Piero Pelù**: Absolutely. When prominent figures like Nicola Piovani and Francesco Guccini also decide to leave, it underscores the seriousness of the situation. We are witnessing a collective realization that we have a responsibility to voice our beliefs and protect democratic ideals.
**Editor**: The backlash against Musk has been significant. How do you view the intersection of social media and politics in this context?
**Piero Pelù**: Social media has tremendous power to shape discourse. However, when it’s used to promote toxic ideas and undermine democracy, we must question its impact. Platforms can either foster healthy dialogue or become breeding grounds for manipulation and extremism. Sadly, it seems X has leaned toward the latter under Musk’s influence.
**Editor**: As artists, what can you do to encourage change outside of social media?
**Piero Pelù**: We need to engage more directly with our communities through our music and public statements. Live performances, interviews, and collaborations with like-minded individuals—each of these can be effective tools to spread a positive message and encourage critical thinking.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Piero. It’s clear that your decision is rooted in a passionate desire for a better society.
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this. It’s about protecting our future and ensuring freedom prevails.