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.
In what ways does Piovani view the mass departure from X as a form of civil resistance against toxic discourse?
**Interview with Music Composer Nicola Piovani on Elon Musk’s Impact on Social Media and Democracy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Piovani. Recently, you’ve made headlines for your decision to leave the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Can you share what prompted this decision?
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. My decision was primarily driven by Elon Musk’s behavior and the ideologies he seems to promote. I feel that his influence on the platform has shifted it into a space that undermines democratic values and free discourse.
**Interviewer:** You referred to Musk as a “threat to democracy and freedom.” Could you elaborate on why you feel this way?
**Nicola Piovani:** Certainly. Musk’s comments and actions have shown a tendency toward neo-imperialist thinking. For someone with such immense power and reach to openly criticize institutions like the judiciary in Italy sends a dangerous signal. It implies that he believes he has the authority to interfere in sovereign matters which should be left to the respective governments.
**Interviewer:** Many public figures have echoed similar sentiments. What do you think this mass departure from X signifies about the platform’s current state?
**Nicola Piovani:** It indicates a growing discontent with the platform’s direction. When artists, politicians, and thinkers decide to leave, it shows that they no longer feel safe or valued in a space that promotes toxic discourse and misinformation. We need to stand by our principles and make it clear that we will not support platforms that erode the very foundations of democracy.
**Interviewer:** Some might argue that leaving a platform is a form of civil resistance. Do you agree with that?
**Nicola Piovani:** Absolutely. It’s essential to make our voices heard through action. Just like in our music and art, we must stand for what we believe in. Leaving X is my way of saying I reject its current ethos; I choose to support spaces that foster respectful dialogue and uphold democratic values.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, the Guardian has also announced they will not post on X due to concerns over Musk’s influence. What are your thoughts on the responsibility of media platforms in today’s political climate?
**Nicola Piovani:** Media platforms play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. They must take their responsibilities seriously, ensuring that they are not just echo chambers for extremist views but instead are promoting a healthy exchange of ideas. When platforms choose profit over integrity, it becomes imperative for individuals and institutions to withdraw their support.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Piovani. Your insights on this issue are invaluable, and it’s a crucial conversation to engage in as we navigate these complex times.
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to discuss these issues and advocate for a better, more respectful media landscape.