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.
How do you envision artists uniting to promote healthier digital public spaces in response to platforms like X?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: A Stand Against X and Elon Musk**
**Editor:** Today, we have the honor of speaking with Francesco Guccini, one of Italy’s most beloved singer-songwriters, who recently announced his departure from X, formerly known as Twitter. Francesco, thank you for joining us.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** You stated that you no longer wish to be part of X due to Elon Musk’s influence on the platform. Can you elaborate on what prompted this decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Certainly. I believe that the ideas Musk promotes are fundamentally opposed to my own values—especially concerning democracy and freedom. I have no interest in being on a platform that, under his leadership, has shown a tendency to manipulate political discourse rather than foster healthy dialogue.
**Editor:** You mentioned feeling that Musk’s approach to governance is concerning. What kind of impact do you think this has on users and broader society?
**Francesco Guccini:** The impact is significant. When a platform allows for the spread of misinformation and extremist views, it contributes to the poisoning of public discourse. It’s troubling to see a media space that can steer political thought toward more harmful ideologies under the guise of free expression.
**Editor:** Recently, other well-known figures, such as Sandro Ruotolo and Nicola Piovani, have also abandoned X. Do you think there’s a growing movement among artists and public figures against the platform?
**Francesco Guccini:** Yes, I believe there is. Artists and public figures have a responsibility to speak up against actions that undermine democratic values. Many of us feel that withdrawing from X is a clear signal, a form of civil resistance that stands against what we see as a deteriorating democratic environment.
**Editor:** In light of your remarks, how do you see the responsibility of social media figures like Musk in shaping public opinion and politics?
**Francesco Guccini:** Social media giants wield incredible power, and with that power comes an enormous responsibility. When figures like Musk use their platforms to promote harmful rhetoric or to attack the foundations of democracy, they disregard their role as custodians of the public discourse. We must hold them accountable.
**Editor:** In your view, what can artists and citizens do to combat the influences of toxic platforms?
**Francesco Guccini:** It starts with awareness. Artists can use their voices to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire action. Citizens must also engage with alternative platforms that prioritize genuine discourse over sensationalism and misinformation. It’s important that we all play our part in advocating for a healthier media landscape.
**Editor:** Thank you, Francesco, for your insights. Your decision resonates with many who are concerned about the future of public discourse in the digital age.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. It’s essential that we keep this dialogue alive.
