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 motivated Francesco Pelù to leave X amidst controversy?
**Interview with Francesco Pelù: Reflections on Leaving X Amidst Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco Pelù. You’ve recently made headlines by announcing your decision to leave X. Can you share with us what motivated this choice?
**Francesco Pelù:** Thank you for having me. My decision was born out of a deep concern for the current state of our democracy and freedom. Elon Musk’s statements and the way he manages X have raised alarm bells for me. I can’t align myself with a platform that feels more like a tool for manipulation rather than a space for genuine discourse.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned civil resistance in your statement. Could you elaborate on what that means to you?
**Francesco Pelù:** Civil resistance is about standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular. In today’s world, it’s crucial to send a clear message against actions that threaten our rights and freedoms. By leaving X, I hope to inspire others to also reflect on the platforms they support and the values they promote.
**Interviewer:** Several notable figures have joined you in this decision. How does it feel to stand alongside fellow artists and politicians in this movement?
**Francesco Pelù:** It’s incredibly reassuring to know that I am not alone in this. People like Nicola Piovani and Sandro Ruotolo share similar concerns. When voices from different fields unite, it amplifies the message and strengthens our collective stand against toxicity in media.
**Interviewer:** There has been quite a reaction to Musk’s comments regarding Italian judges. How do you view his involvement in a foreign government’s affairs?
**Francesco Pelù:** Musk’s comments were not just careless; they show a disrespect for sovereignty. His influence can undermine the democratic processes in countries like Italy. When someone in his position tries to dictate governance in other nations, it becomes a matter of concern for all of us who value our democratic institutions.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you hope to send to your fans and the general public through your departure from X?
**Francesco Pelù:** I want to encourage people to think critically about where they invest their attention and energy. Platforms should be arenas for healthy dialogue, not spaces that propagate fear and division. It’s time for us to take a stand, choose wisely, and uphold the values that truly matter. Thank you.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco. Your insights are important, and we appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today.