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 alternative platforms does Nicola Piovani suggest for fostering responsible discourse in response to concerns about X’s governance under Elon Musk?
**Interview with Nicola Piovani on Elon Musk’s Impact on Democracy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Nicola. You recently announced your decision to leave X due to your concerns about Elon Musk. Can you elaborate on what prompted this decision?
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X was not made lightly. I believe that Elon Musk represents a dangerous influence on democracy and freedom. His statements and actions reflect a neo-imperialist mindset that I cannot support, especially on a platform that can easily manipulate political discourse.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that many think you are “crazy” for making this decision. What do you say to those who disagree with you?
**Nicola Piovani:** Civil resistance is crucial, especially in today’s political climate. It may seem extreme to some, but standing up for democratic values is fundamental. We must show that we prioritize democracy over the convenience of social media.
**Interviewer:** Musk’s recent comments regarding the Italian judiciary have sparked significant reactions. What is your perspective on his involvement in Italian politics?
**Nicola Piovani:** It’s misguided for someone of Musk’s stature to meddle in the affairs of a sovereign nation. Italy has a rich democratic tradition and can handle its own judicial matters without external interference. Comments like “these judges have to go” are not just inappropriate; they are an affront to our democracy.
**Interviewer:** Other notable figures have also distanced themselves from X. Do you think this will lead to broader changes in how platforms like X operate?
**Nicola Piovani:** I hope so. Awareness is rising around the implications of platforms that promote toxic content and conspiracy theories. If more artists and public figures refuse to participate in such spaces, perhaps it will force these platforms to reassess their policies and prioritize responsible governance.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what alternative spaces do you see for public discourse and artistic expression that align more with your values?
**Nicola Piovani:** There are many alternative platforms that prioritize respectful dialogue and democratic values over sensationalism and division. I believe it’s essential for us to seek out and support these spaces where genuine discourse can thrive without the overshadowing influence of individuals like Musk.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nicola, for sharing your thoughts with us today. It’s clear that your commitment to democracy is unwavering.
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to advocate for what we believe in.
