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 implications of artists and politicians distancing themselves from platforms like X on public discourse and cultural engagement?
**Interview with Franco Bianchi, Media Analyst and Cultural Commentator**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Franco. We’ve recently seen prominent Italian figures like Nicola Piovani, Francesco Guccini, and Piero Pelù publicly stepping away from X, formerly known as Twitter. What are your thoughts on this mass exodus?
**Franco Bianchi:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, it’s quite significant. When influential artists and public figures choose to distance themselves from a platform, it often signals deeper concerns about its role in society. Their statements reflect not just personal beliefs but a collective response to perceived threats to democracy and civil discourse.
**Interviewer:** Piero Pelù called Musk a “threat to democracy and freedom.” How do you interpret this sentiment among artists and politicians with regard to Musk’s influence?
**Franco Bianchi:** Pelù’s words resonate with many who feel that Musk’s actions and governance of X have allowed harmful content to flourish, undermining healthy political dialogue. They see it as a moral obligation to reject any platform that propagates manipulation of political ideas and extreme content.
**Interviewer:** Francesco Guccini mentioned Musk having ideas “light years away” from his own. What does this highlight about the ideological divide within current social media landscapes?
**Franco Bianchi:** It underscores a growing schism between traditional liberal values and the new wave of digital governance represented by figures like Musk. Artists like Guccini value cultural integrity and ideological consistency, and when a platform deviates from those principles, they feel compelled to withdraw their engagement.
**Interviewer:** How does this situation reflect on the broader issues of sovereignty and freedom of expression, especially with Musk’s recent comments about the Italian judiciary?
**Franco Bianchi:** It raises crucial questions about the influence of wealthy individuals on national matters. Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s strong response indicates that there’s a pushback against foreign interference. Musk’s rapid impacts on political discourse exemplify how social media can affect national sovereignty, often leading to the manipulation of public opinion.
**Interviewer:** with outlets like The Guardian choosing to cease their activities on X, do you believe this could set a precedent for other media organizations?
**Franco Bianchi:** Absolutely. The Guardian’s decision highlights a growing awareness in the media landscape about the need to align editorial values with ethical platforms. If more organizations follow suit, it could pressure X to reconsider its content policies and the overall platform culture, potentially reshaping how media interacts with social networks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Franco, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Franco Bianchi:** Thank you for having me. It’s a conversation that needs to continue as we navigate the complexities of digital communication today.