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, has been able to use its influence to influence political discourse,” the editorial team said.
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 are the potential implications of artists and public figures leaving platforms like X due to concerns over Elon Musk’s influence?
**Interview with Social Commentator on Elon Musk’s Impact and Reactions**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant backlash against Elon Musk recently, particularly from notable figures in Italy. What are your thoughts on the concerns raised by artists like Piero Pelù and Francesco Guccini about Musk’s influence on platforms like X?
**Commentator:** Thank you for having me. The concerns expressed by Pelù and Guccini are reflective of a deeper unease regarding Musk’s control over X and its broader implications for democracy. Their decision to leave the platform signifies a form of civil resistance against what they perceive as a threat to free expression and political integrity.
**Interviewer:** Pelù described Musk’s statements as “neo-imperialist.” How do you interpret that assertion?
**Commentator:** It’s a provocative claim, but it taps into a growing sentiment that Musk, as a powerful figure, is overstepping boundaries by influencing political contexts in other countries. When someone with such a vast platform dictates political opinions or undermines judicial systems, it raises questions about sovereignty and the ethics of influencing foreign democracies.
**Interviewer:** This has also sparked reactions from figures like Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Can you explain the significance of his response?
**Commentator:** Mattarella’s remarks assert Italy’s sovereignty and challenge Musk’s right to interfere in its judicial matters. By framing Italy as a capable democracy, he emphasizes that foreign influences, especially from someone as prominent as Musk, should be met with caution. It’s an important defense of national integrity, especially in today’s interconnected, often chaotic political climate.
**Interviewer:** The Guardian has labeled X a “toxic media platform” under Musk’s ownership. What does this mean for the future of social media and public discourse?
**Commentator:** This characterization reflects a growing disillusionment with how social media can shape narratives and influence political discourse. The return of banned accounts and the spread of extremist content raises ethical concerns about moderation and the responsibilities of platform owners. If major media outlets withdraw from X, it could weaken its role as a communication tool, leading to a more fragmented discourse where misinformation and extremist views proliferate unchecked.
**Interviewer:** What do you think the long-term effects of this backlash against Musk’s influence will be on both X and Musk’s broader endeavors?
**Commentator:** The backlash could push other influential figures and organizations to reconsider their association with X, potentially destabilizing its user base. In the long run, if these voices continue to leave, it might alter the platform’s dynamics, reduce its credibility, and ultimately impact Musk’s reputation. It could serve as a wake-up call for tech leaders to recognize the power they wield and the responsibility that comes with it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the discourse surrounding Elon Musk and social media is only going to intensify.
**Commentator:** Absolutely. This is just the beginning of a much larger conversation about technology, power, and democracy. Thank you for having me.
