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.
### Interview with Niccolò De Luca, Media Analyst
### Interview with Niccolò De Luca, Media Analyst
**Editor:** Today, we are joined by Niccolò De Luca, a media analyst, to discuss the recent exodus of prominent Italian figures from the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and the implications of Elon Musk’s leadership on this platform.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Niccolò. Recently, several significant Italian personalities, including musicians and an MEP, have chosen to close their accounts on X. What are your thoughts on the reasons behind this mass departure?
**Niccolò De Luca:** Thank you for having me. The departure of figures like Francesco Guccini and Piero Pelù underscores a broader concern about the platform’s evolving role under Elon Musk. Many perceive Musk as a threat to democratic values, contributing to toxic discourse online. Pelù explicitly articulated that Musk’s “neo-imperialist statements” are dangerous, which highlights a significant shift in how cultural icons view their responsibility in the digital space.
**Editor:** Yes, Pelù emphasized the need for civil resistance. Can you elaborate on how this reflects societal attitudes towards Musk and his influence?
**Niccolò De Luca:** Absolutely. This retreat signifies a stand against what they categorize as a deterioration of democratic dialogue. Figures like Piovani and Ruotolo express that remaining on the platform feels incompatible with their values, particularly as X has been criticized for amplifying extremist views and engaging in political manipulation. Their actions signal a deeper ethical consideration about where and how they contribute to public discourse.
**Editor:** Musk’s recent involvement in Italian politics, particularly his comments regarding the judiciary, sparked notable backlash. How has this affected public opinion?
**Niccolò De Luca:** Musk’s statement, suggesting that Italian judges need to be replaced, is viewed as an overreach into Italy’s sovereignty. Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s response encapsulated this sentiment, underscoring that Italy can govern itself. This creates a tension where Musk’s global influence is seen as both intrusive and destabilizing, further alienating those who advocate for a healthy, independent public discourse.
**Editor:** In light of these events, how do you think the media will adapt to cover the narratives surrounding Musk and X moving forward?
**Niccolò De Luca:** Media outlets, like The Guardian, have already begun reevaluating their involvement on the platform, labeling it as “toxic.” This trend may lead to a shift in how news is disseminated and discussed. We could see more focus on alternative platforms that encourage healthy engagement while also greater scrutiny of the content that X promotes. The media landscape might become more fragmented as publishers seek to distance themselves from platforms they deem harmful.
**Editor:** Thank you, Niccolò, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. The implications of this situation continue to evolve, and it will be vital to track how these dynamics unfold in the future.
**Niccolò De Luca:** Thank you for having me. It’s definitely an important conversation to be had as we navigate this media landscape together.
