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. Given 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.
What are the key factors that led Francesco Guccini to leave X?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini on Leaving X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Francesco. You recently made the decision to leave X. Can you share more about what influenced your decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X stems from a fundamental disagreement with Elon Musk’s vision for the platform. His ideas are so far removed from my own that I no longer felt it was a space where I could engage constructively. I believe X has become a playground for manipulation and misinformation, and I refuse to be a part of it.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned manipulation of political ideas. Can you elaborate on what you find most concerning about this aspect?
**Francesco Guccini:** Certainly. The way information spreads on X, often unchecked and unregulated, allows for dangerous narratives to flourish. This can sway public opinion and impact democratic processes. As an artist, I have a responsibility to advocate for truth and creativity, not to contribute to a platform that fuels division and falsehoods.
**Interviewer:** You’re not alone in this sentiment. Other prominent figures like Nicola Piovani and Piero Pelù have also left X. Do you think this exodus signifies a larger movement among artists and public figures?
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely. It’s about civil resistance, as Piero mentioned. We are setting a precedent that we won’t tolerate toxic environments that threaten our values. Artists have a voice, and when we collectively choose to step away, it sends a strong message.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of messages, how did you feel about Musk’s recent comments regarding Italian judges?
**Francesco Guccini:** I found them alarming. It’s one thing for business leaders to express opinions, but it’s another to dictate how a sovereign nation should operate. It shows a complete disregard for the democratic processes in place. It’s vital that everyone respects these institutions, regardless of their personal influence.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you hope will come from your decision to leave X and the actions of others?
**Francesco Guccini:** My hope is that more people will recognize the importance of ethical platforms that promote healthy discourse. Artists and public figures stepping away can inspire users to reconsider where they invest their time and attention. We must strive for spaces that reflect our values rather than compromise them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your thoughts. It’s clear that the conversation around social media and its impact on society is more important than ever.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going.
