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. Given 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 specific changes on X did Francesco Guccini find alarming that influenced his decision to leave the platform?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: Voices Against X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. Recently, you, along with notable figures like Nicola Piovani and Piero Pelù, announced your departure from X. What prompted this significant decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It’s quite simple, really. Elon Musk’s vision and statements about governance and freedom are fundamentally at odds with my values. I no longer wish to be associated with a platform that feels like it actively promotes manipulation of political discourse.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the idea of political manipulation. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Francesco Guccini:** Certainly. Since Musk took over, I’ve seen a troubling shift in the type of rhetoric and content being amplified. The platform has become a breeding ground for divisive and, at times, extremist ideas. It’s alarming to see how easily misinformation spreads and how it influences public opinion and political landscapes.
**Interviewer:** Other artists and political figures have echoed similar sentiments. How important is it for public figures to take a stand on social media platforms?
**Francesco Guccini:** It’s crucial. When you’re in the public eye, your presence on these platforms can either support or undermine democratic principles. By withdrawing, we are signaling that we won’t acquiesce to a toxic media landscape. Our voices can still resonate in other ways, through music, art, and more responsible forms of communication.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also expressed that you don’t think anyone will miss your presence on X. Why is that?
**Francesco Guccini:** The platform has changed drastically since its inception. One person leaving won’t significantly impact it, especially if the environment continues to foster harmful content. What’s important is that I am disassociating myself from a platform that does not align with my values.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to your fans and the broader public regarding this decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** I want them to understand that standing up for democratic values and freedom of expression is vital—especially in times like these. It’s about making choices that reflect our commitment to a society where respect and truth prevail. True dialogue can happen elsewhere, where we promote understanding and solidarity rather than division.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your thoughts with us today. Your insights are indeed significant in these challenging times.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
