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 can artists and public figures effectively counteract the toxic environment on social media platforms like X?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: Musician and Cultural Commentator on Elon Musk’s Influence on X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your recent decision to leave X, formerly known as Twitter. Can you explain what prompted you to take such a step?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision was rooted in deep concerns about Elon Musk’s influence over the platform. His ideologies are far removed from mine, and I cannot support a platform that seems to facilitate the manipulation of political discourse. It’s disheartening to witness how a social media platform can become a tool for misinformation.
**Interviewer:** You’ve referred to X as a ”toxic media platform.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely. Since Musk’s ownership, there’s been a noticeable shift in content moderation. The platform now allows the spread of extremist views and conspiracy theories, which I find deeply troubling. It fuels a divisive atmosphere that threatens democratic values. I believe artists and intellectuals must take a stand against such environments.
**Interviewer:** In your statement, you mentioned civil resistance. What do you think artists and public figures can do to counteract this influence?
**Francesco Guccini:** Artists have a unique platform to raise awareness and inspire change. By stepping away from toxic environments, we send a strong message that complicity is not an option. Engaging with our audiences through alternative channels can help foster healthier discourse and promote critical thinking.
**Interviewer:** Alongside you, other prominent figures, including Nicola Piovani and Piero Pelù, have also left X. Do you think this collective action could lead to broader changes?
**Francesco Guccini:** I certainly hope so. When renowned individuals take a stand, it prompts dialogue and encourages others to think critically about their own engagement with platforms like X. We need to emphasize the importance of supporting media that upholds democratic principles and respects public discourse.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you envision the future of communication in the digital age?
**Francesco Guccini:** I envision a future where platforms prioritize user safety and responsible content moderation over profit. We need spaces that encourage healthy debates and the exchange of ideas without fostering hate or misinformation. It’s essential to return to the roots of democratic dialogue, where all voices can be heard without fear of manipulation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your thoughts and concerns. It’s critical to have these conversations in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a more positive direction in our digital communications.
