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, has been able to use its influence to influence political discourse,” the editorial team said.
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 do you envision artists and musicians continuing to engage with their audiences outside of traditional social media platforms?
**Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on the Recent Exits from X**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Piero. Recently, you’ve made headlines alongside other prominent figures like Nicola Piovani and Francesco Guccini for leaving the platform X. Can you share your thoughts on what prompted this decision?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. It was a tough decision, but it was necessary. Elon Musk’s rhetoric has become increasingly alarming, and I truly believe he represents a threat to democracy and freedom. By leaving X, I aim to make a stand and signal civil resistance against what I see as a manipulation of political discourse.
**Editor:** You mentioned Musk’s “neo-imperialist statements.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Piero Pelù:** Musk’s approach seems to disregard the democratic values that many of us hold dear. His involvement in political matters, especially outside the U.S., undermines the sovereignty of countries like Italy. When he says things like “These judges have to go,” it makes me feel that he is trying to dictate terms in places where he has no rightful influence.
**Editor:** Other figures have expressed similar sentiments about the platform itself. Nicola Piovani mentioned “it’s time to go.” Do you think there’s a broader cultural movement occurring among creatives regarding their presence on social media?
**Piero Pelù:** Absolutely. Many artists, musicians, and public figures feel the same way. We’re all questioning the impact of our voices on platforms that propagate toxic environments. For us, it’s about protecting our integrity and aligning with our values. Platforms that prioritize sensationalism over constructive dialogue need to be challenged.
**Editor:** Francesco Guccini pointed out that he no longer wants to communicate on a platform that manipulates political ideas. Do you feel that this manipulation is a significant problem on X?
**Piero Pelù:** Very much so. Platforms like X can distort political narratives and amplify dangerous ideologies, creating a breeding ground for misinformation. It’s concerning to see how easily people can be swayed by what trends, often without context or truth. By stepping away, we hope to encourage others to reconsider their engagement with such platforms.
**Editor:** The Italian president, Sergio Mattarella, also weighed in, emphasizing Italy’s sovereignty. How do you see interactions like this influencing the conversation around freedom of speech and international relations?
**Piero Pelù:** It’s crucial to remember that free speech isn’t absolute; it comes with responsibilities. When influential figures like Musk meddle in national affairs, it undermines the democratic fabric of nations. We need to support our leaders who advocate for sovereignty and ensure that platforms don’t become vehicles for the erosion of civil liberties.
**Editor:** Thank you, Piero, for sharing your insights. It’s clear this issue resonates deeply within the artistic community and beyond.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. I hope that our collective actions will spark important conversations about how we engage with media in today’s world.
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