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 the departure of artists and public figures from ‘X’ reflect concerns about the manipulation of political discourse?
**Interview: The Consequences of Prominent Figures Leaving ‘X’ Over Elon Musk’s Leadership**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re exploring a significant trend where influential figures are distancing themselves from ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter, in light of Elon Musk’s controversial leadership. Joining us is Dr. Sofia Marino, a political analyst who specializes in social media’s impact on democracy.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for being here, Dr. Marino. Let’s jump right in. We’ve seen composers and artists like Nicola Piovani, Francesco Guccini, and Piero Pelù announce their departure from X, citing concerns over Musk’s influence on freedom and democracy. What message do you think they aim to convey by leaving the platform?
**Dr. Marino:** Thank you for having me. The departures of these prominent figures highlight a growing discontent with how social media, and specifically X under Musk, is being used to influence political discourse. Pelù’s assertion that Musk represents a “threat to democracy and freedom” echoes a widespread fear that powerful individuals can manipulate narratives on these platforms, leading to civil resistance among those who value democratic principles. Their exits are more than personal choices; they serve as a public repudiation of what they view as a toxic environment.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. Francesco Guccini mentioned he has no interest in being part of a platform that “helps manipulate political ideas.” Why is this manipulation concerning for artists and public figures?
**Dr. Marino:** Artists and public figures often see themselves as moral voices in society. When they perceive a platform they once valued as being manipulated for political gain, it threatens their integrity and ability to engage authentically with their audience. Guccini’s comment about Musk’s ideas being “light years away” suggests a fundamental ideological clash, which can alienate him from his fans and diminish his influence. Moreover, such manipulation erodes trust in media as a whole, which is crucial for informed public discourse.
**Interviewer:** Alongside artists, we’ve seen political figures like Sandro Ruotolo step away from X. How significant is this crossover between cultural and political dissent?
**Dr. Marino:** It’s hugely significant. The intersection of cultural and political dissent amplifies the message. When artists, who have a broad platform and connection with the public, unite with politicians in their withdrawal from X, it creates a collective statement against what they see as an erosion of democratic values. Their actions can galvanize public support against perceived injustices and foster a broader conversation about the role of social media in politics, especially given Musk’s controversial remarks about intervention in foreign judicial matters.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of controversy, Musk recently remarked that “These judges have to go,” which attracted criticism from Italian President Sergio Mattarella. What do you make of Musk’s involvement in sovereign matters, and how does it relate to the broader narrative?
**Dr. Marino:** Musk’s comments reflect a troubling trend where influential individuals with vast platforms intervene in national affairs. This suggests a neo-imperialist attitude that many find unacceptable, especially leaders like Mattarella who emphasize Italy’s democratic autonomy. Such statements not only risk undermining national sovereignty but also stimulate backlash against Musk himself, further isolating him within the global arena of public opinion. This conflict contributes to an environment where figures like Ruotolo and Pelù find it untenable to remain associated with X.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, we’ve seen the British newspaper ”The Guardian” also decide to cease posting on X due to concerns about disinformation and toxic content. What does their decision signify for the future of social media?
**Dr. Marino:** The Guardian’s withdrawal underscores a critical threshold. As media organizations reassess their platforms due to concerns over disinformation and the platform’s management under Musk, it raises questions about the viability of X as a credible news source going forward. This could lead to greater fragmentation of social media, where reputable organizations seek safer spaces, potentially diminishing X’s influence in serious political discourse. In the long run, it could challenge the platform’s legitimacy and lead to calls for more stringent regulations on content management and accountability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Marino, for your insights on this unfolding situation. It certainly raises important questions about the role of social media in our democracy.
**Dr. Marino:** My pleasure. It’s crucial we continue the conversation about these impacts as they evolve.