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.
How do you believe other artists can effectively advocate for their values in the age of social media?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: The Decision to Leave X**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. Recently, many notable figures, including yourself, have decided to leave X, formerly known as Twitter. Can you share what led to your decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision was largely influenced by my concerns about Elon Musk and his vision for the platform. His ideas are, quite frankly, light years away from my beliefs, and I refuse to contribute to a platform that plays a role in manipulating political discourse. We have to stand up against this kind of influence.
**Editor:** You mentioned manipulation of political ideas. Can you elaborate on what specifically concerns you about Musk’s ownership of X?
**Guccini:** Certainly. Under Musk’s ownership, there appears to be a lack of accountability in moderating content. The platform has allowed previously banned users—those promoting extremist views—to return, and this creates an environment that can distort public perception. This is alarming for democracy; a platform that should facilitate healthy discourse is instead becoming a breeding ground for harmful ideologies.
**Editor:** You’ve expressed that you don’t think anyone will miss you on X. Is this an expression of your belief in the power of individual choice, or perhaps more about the impact of your departure?
**Guccini:** It’s a bit of both. While I hope that my departure will resonate with some and encourage others to reflect on the role of this platform, I believe we all have the right to choose where we invest our time and energy. If we allow figures like Musk to dictate the narrative, we risk losing our freedom of expression.
**Editor:** In light of your concerns, how do you think artists and public figures should navigate their online presence going forward?
**Guccini:** I think artists have a responsibility to advocate for the values they believe in. We should be intentional about where we share our voices. It’s crucial to support platforms that align with our principles and foster genuine dialogue instead of those that prioritize profit and sensationalism over ethical standards.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Francesco. Your perspective adds valuable context to the ongoing debates surrounding social media and freedom of expression.
**Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It’s important we continue to discuss these issues openly.