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.
How do you envision the future of social media in light of your criticisms of Elon Musk’s influence, and what changes would you like to see implemented?
**Interview with Renowned Italian Composer Nicola Piovani on Elon Musk’s Influence and Departure from X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Nicola. Recently, you expressed your decision to leave X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns over Elon Musk’s influence. Can you elaborate on your reasons for this?
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X is deeply rooted in my belief that Musk poses a significant threat to democratic values and freedom. His neo-imperialist rhetoric is alarming, and I felt it was crucial to make a stand against it. Civil resistance is fundamental today.
**Interviewer:** You’re not alone in this sentiment. Several notable figures, including Francesco Guccini and Sandro Ruotolo, have also distanced themselves from the platform. What do you think unites these varied voices in this movement?
**Nicola Piovani:** We share a common concern about the manipulation of political discourse that exists on X under Musk’s ownership. This isn’t just about personal choice; it’s about the integrity of democracy and how platforms can shape public opinion. Our collective actions signal a refusal to endorse a platform that undermines these principles.
**Interviewer:** In your view, how does Musk’s involvement in political matters, particularly in Italy, complicate this situation?
**Nicola Piovani:** Musk’s comments regarding Italian judiciary matters are particularly troubling. As a foreign entity, his interference suggests a blatant disrespect for Italian sovereignty. We, as citizens and cultural representatives, must assert our independence and protect our democratic processes from outside influence.
**Interviewer:** The Guardian also described X as a “toxic media platform.” Do you agree with this characterization, and what role do you believe Musk plays in this?
**Nicola Piovani:** Absolutely. Musk’s management has allowed harmful content to circulate freely, from extremist views to conspiracy theories. This shift in content control raises profound ethical questions about the responsibilities of platform owners toward their users and society at large.
**Interviewer:** Given these concerns, what do you hope your departure will achieve?
**Nicola Piovani:** I hope it inspires others to reconsider their engagement on platforms that don’t align with their values. Each departure is a statement that we won’t tolerate toxic environments that compromise our freedoms. It’s about fostering a discourse that values democracy and respect.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nicola, for sharing your insights and perspectives on this important topic.
**Nicola Piovani:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to discuss these issues openly.