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. In light of 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 are Piero Pelù’s main concerns regarding Elon Musk’s influence over X and its implications for democracy?
**Interview with Piero Pelù on Reactions to Elon Musk’s Influence over X**
*Editor*: Today, we have the honor of speaking with Piero Pelù, the frontman of the renowned Italian rock band Litfiba. Pelù has recently announced his decision to leave X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in protest against Elon Musk’s influence. Thank you for joining us, Piero.
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you for having me.
*Editor*: You’ve referred to Elon Musk as a potential threat to democracy and freedom. Can you elaborate on what prompted this strong stance?
**Piero Pelù**: Absolutely. Musk’s actions and statements reflect a neo-imperialist mindset that feels increasingly dangerous, especially in a time when democratic values are under threat. His manipulation of a platform that influences political discourse is unsettling. It’s crucial for artists and public figures to take a stand; it’s more than just an individual decision—it’s a statement of civil resistance against a culture that threatens our freedoms.
*Editor*: You also mentioned that some people think you’re “crazy” for leaving X. How do you respond to those criticisms?
**Piero Pelù**: Well, change is often uncomfortable. I understand that some may view my decision as extreme, but our responsibility as public figures extends beyond our craft. We have a duty to advocate for a democratic society and to question systems that promote harmful rhetoric. Sometimes, taking a stand means making bold choices that others may not understand.
*Editor*: Other prominent figures, like Nicola Piovani and Francesco Guccini, have echoed similar sentiments. What do you think it says about the collective stance of artists and intellectuals in Italy?
**Piero Pelù**: It shows that we are unified in our belief that freedom of expression should not come at the cost of our democratic values. The departure of various artists and politicians from X sends a clear message: we are unwilling to tolerate platforms that jeopardize our societal principles. It’s a significant moment for solidarity among those who care about democracy.
*Editor*: Musk has been involved in some heated public discourse regarding the Italian judiciary and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. How do you reconcile his behavior as the owner of a major media platform with the responsibilities that come with it?
**Piero Pelù**: It’s troubling. When you wield influence over a platform that shapes public opinion and political discourse, there’s an inherent responsibility to respect the sovereignty of nations and their governing systems. Musk’s comments are not just casual opinions; they have real consequences. Ignoring that responsibility is where the danger lies.
*Editor*: Lastly, how do you think the decision of the British newspaper “The Guardian” to stop posting on X reflects the growing discontent with the platform?
**Piero Pelù**: “The Guardian’s” decision reinforces the idea that it’s not just individual voices that are standing up but institutions as well. It highlights a growing recognition that X, under Musk’s direction, has become a space that promotes toxic content. When respected media outlets withdraw, it signals that the credibility of the platform is at stake, and it emboldens others to act.
*Editor*: Thank you for your insights, Piero. It’s clear that your decision is part of a larger conversation about the role of social media in our democracy.
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you. It’s a conversation we all need to continue.