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.
How do you envision your engagement with fans and the public moving forward, now that you’ve left X?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini on Leaving X (Formerly Twitter)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. You recently announced your decision to leave X. Can you tell us what prompted that choice?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It was a difficult decision, but one I felt was essential. The platform, under Elon Musk’s control, is no longer a space where I feel my voice aligns with the overarching direction. His views are fundamentally different from mine, and I don’t want to contribute to an environment that manipulates political ideas.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned you believe Musk poses a threat to freedom. Could you elaborate on that?
**Francesco Guccini:** Yes, I believe that when someone with immense power like Musk influences a platform that affects public discourse, it can lead to dangerous outcomes. His approach often feels neo-imperialist. It’s crucial for artists and citizens to demonstrate civil resistance against such influences.
**Interviewer:** Other prominent figures, including musicians and politicians, have also left X. Do you think there’s a broader movement against the platform?
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely. I think many people are starting to recognize the toxicity of the platform. It’s not just me; creators like Nicola Piovani and Piero Pelù share similar sentiments. We’re at a point where individual values need to take precedence over social media presence.
**Interviewer:** Italian President Sergio Mattarella had a strong response to Musk’s recent comments on the judiciary. What are your thoughts on that?
**Francesco Guccini:** It’s heartening to see leaders standing up for a democratic institution. President Mattarella’s point about respecting Italy’s sovereignty is crucial. We can take care of our own matters without external interference, especially from someone who doesn’t understand our political landscape.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to your fans regarding this decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** I want my fans to understand that this is about principles. It’s essential to align with platforms that respect freedom and democracy. I hope others will find the courage to think critically about where they engage and the impact those platforms have on society.