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 think the artist community can effectively raise awareness about the dangers of influential figures on social media?
**Interview with Piero Pelù on Leaving X (Formerly Twitter)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Piero. You recently announced that you are leaving X due to concerns about Elon Musk’s influence. Can you elaborate on why you believe he poses a threat to democracy?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X stems from Musk’s extreme and, frankly, dangerous rhetoric, which I see as neo-imperialist. His influence on the platform allows for a manipulation of political ideas that can undermine the very foundations of democratic discourse. It’s crucial for all of us to recognize when we need to take a stand, and in this case, I felt it was essential to show civil resistance.
**Editor:** You mentioned that some people think you’re crazy for this decision. How do you respond to that skepticism?
**Piero Pelù:** Change is always met with resistance, especially when it involves taking a moral stand. I understand that it might seem extreme to some, but I believe it’s fundamental to take actions that align with our values. In times like these, staying silent or inactive can be more harmful than making a bold move.
**Editor:** Nicola Piovani and Francesco Guccini have also announced their departures from X. What does this collective reaction say about the cultural response to Musk’s ownership of the platform?
**Piero Pelù:** It reflects a growing awareness among artists and intellectuals about the impact of media and platforms that shape public discourse. We are not just entertainers; we have a responsibility to engage with societal issues. When key figures in the arts step away from a platform, it sends a strong signal that we cannot support a space that serves as a tool for division and misinformation.
**Editor:** There has been political backlash against Musk’s comments regarding the Italian judiciary. How do you see the relationship between public figures and their responsibility towards political matters?
**Piero Pelù:** Public figures like Musk have a platform that can heavily influence public opinion. With that power comes a responsibility to act in the interest of democracy and respect for sovereign nations. When anyone, especially someone with significant influence, makes statements that challenge that autonomy, it undermines the integrity of democratic processes.
**Editor:** Some media outlets, like The Guardian, have also decided to stop using X. What do you think this means for the future of the platform and media engagement?
**Piero Pelù:** It’s a clear indicator that reputable media organizations are distancing themselves from X due to its toxic environment. This could lead to a significant decline in its credibility and user engagement. Platforms that embrace divisive and extremist content risk losing the trust of both creators and consumers alike.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Piero. Your perspective as an artist is invaluable in these discussions.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations alive.