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 does Nicola Piovani advocate for civil resistance in response to manipulation on social media?
**Interview with Nicola Piovani: A Response to Elon Musk’s Influence on Social Media**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Nicola. Many notable figures, including yourself, have withdrawn from the platform X, citing concerns about Elon Musk’s influence. Can you share your thoughts on what prompted your decision?
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. My decision was prompted by a deep concern about the direction social media is heading under Elon Musk’s ownership. His statements and actions, particularly regarding governance and political discourse, feel dangerously disruptive to the democratic values we hold dear. I believe it’s essential to take a stand against this kind of influence.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you believe in showing “clear signs of civil resistance.” Can you elaborate on why you think this is important?
**Nicola Piovani:** Absolutely. In times of significant political turmoil and influence from powerful individuals like Musk, it is crucial for public figures and citizens alike to voice their dissent and show that we won’t allow our platforms to be used as tools for manipulation. Civil resistance can take many forms, and for me, this is one of them.
**Interviewer:** Francesco Guccini expressed that Musk’s ideas are “light years away” from his own and noted a lack of interest in communicating on a platform that manipulates political ideas. Do you share similar concerns about the integrity of discourse on X?
**Nicola Piovani:** Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with Guccini. The integrity of discourse is paramount, especially in democratic societies. Platforms should foster healthy exchanges of ideas, not serve as breeding grounds for misinformation and manipulation. It’s troubling to see how X has evolved since Musk’s takeover, and as artists, we must advocate for spaces that prioritize truth and respectful dialogue.
**Interviewer:** Recently, Italian President Sergio Mattarella responded to Musk’s comments regarding the Italian judiciary, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty. How do you view this tension between international figures and local governance?
**Nicola Piovani:** It’s a concerning development. Every country has the right to self-governance, and external influences like Musk’s can undermine that sovereignty. Leaders like Mattarella are right to call for respect for democratic institutions. It’s a reminder that foreign involvement in domestic affairs, particularly from influential media figures, can often be counterproductive and harmful.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to your fans and the public regarding this situation?
**Nicola Piovani:** I want to encourage everyone to think critically about the platforms they use and the messages being conveyed through them. It’s important to support spaces that align with democratic values and foster authentic conversation. Together, we can advocate for a media landscape that promotes understanding and truth rather than division and manipulation. Thank you for having me.