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 long-term effects of Elon Musk’s ownership of social media platforms on democratic discourse?
**Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on Elon Musk’s Impact on Social Media and Democracy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Piero Pelù. Recently, you and several other prominent figures announced your decision to leave the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Can you share what prompted this decision?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. My decision stemmed from my deep concerns about Elon Musk’s influence on the platform. To me, Musk embodies a threat to democracy and freedom with his neo-imperialist rhetoric. I believe it’s crucial for us, especially those with a public voice, to stand up against such ideologies. Closing my profile on X is a small yet significant act of civil resistance.
**Interviewer:** Many have called your choice radical. How do you respond to critics who say you are being overly dramatic?
**Piero Pelù:** I think it’s fundamental to act when one’s values are at stake. Some may see my decision as extreme, but maintaining integrity and taking a stand in today’s world is necessary. The stakes are high, and we must show that we won’t simply accept harmful narratives.
**Interviewer:** Other notable figures, including Francesco Guccini and Nicola Piovani, have echoed similar sentiments about Musk and the platform. Why do you think it’s important for artists and public figures to unite in this resistance?
**Piero Pelù:** Art has always played a role in challenging the status quo and promoting freedom of expression. When voices in the arts stand together, it amplifies the message and encourages a broader discussion about the dangers of toxic platforms and their owners. Our collective stand sends a message that we will not tolerate manipulation of political ideas through social media.
**Interviewer:** Recently, Musk made controversial statements regarding the Italian judiciary, which drew backlash from Italian officials. What are your thoughts on his interference in political matters?
**Piero Pelù:** It’s incredibly inappropriate for someone like Musk, a foreign billionaire, to meddle in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. Italy has a rich democratic history and can manage its own governance. His comments reflect a blatant disregard for national sovereignty, and that’s alarming.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, where do you see the future of social media in relation to such influential figures like Musk?
**Piero Pelù:** I fear that social media, under the influence of individuals like Musk, may continue to skew towards toxic environments. However, I also believe that as awareness grows, so will the pressure for a more responsible and respectful discourse. We need to promote platforms that uphold democratic values rather than undermine them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Piero, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that these issues resonate deeply with you and many others in the arts community.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for shedding light on these important matters. It’s time for us to take a stand and protect the principles we value dearly.
