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.
**Interview with Dr. Antonio Rossi, Sociologist and Media Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Recently, several Italian artists and public figures, including musicians and politicians, have announced their departure from X (formerly Twitter), citing Elon Musk as a threat to democracy and freedom. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s a significant moment in the discourse surrounding social media and its influence on democracy. The statements from figures like Piero Pelù and Francesco Guccini highlight a growing discomfort with Musk’s management of X. Many view him as a figure who undermines the democratic fabric through his actions and comments, which they see as neo-imperialist.
**Interviewer:** Pelù mentioned “civil resistance.” How does that concept tie into their decision to leave the platform?
**Dr. Rossi:** Civil resistance is about taking a stand against perceived injustices. For these artists, leaving X is a way to voice their dissent against Musk’s influence on public discourse. By withdrawing, they are not only making a personal statement but also encouraging others to reconsider their participation on platforms they believe are harmful.
**Interviewer:** Musk’s comments regarding the Italian judiciary have also stirred controversy. How should we interpret his involvement in foreign political matters?
**Dr. Rossi:** Musk’s comments can be seen as overstepping boundaries. His call to dismiss Italian judges raises concerns about respect for national sovereignty. Italy has its own democratic processes and institutions, and interference from foreign entities, especially those with substantial influence like Musk, can be seen as inappropriate and harmful.
**Interviewer:** The Guardian has labeled X a “toxic media platform.” To what extent do you think social media platforms like X can shape political discourse?
**Dr. Rossi:** Social media undeniably shapes political discourse by amplifying voices, spreading misinformation, and creating echo chambers. Under Musk’s ownership, there has been a noted shift in the platform’s content policies, which critics say allow for the proliferation of harmful ideologies. This not only affects individual users but can also have wider implications for society’s understanding of critical issues.
**Interviewer:** In your view, what should be the response from both the public and governments regarding concerns over figures like Musk?
**Dr. Rossi:** Public awareness and critical engagement are crucial. Users must scrutinize the platforms they choose to participate in and how these spaces align with democratic values. Governments should also consider regulatory frameworks to ensure these platforms uphold standards that protect democratic principles while respecting freedom of speech.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It seems clear that the ongoing dialogue about social media and its impact on democracy is far from over.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that we must keep having as society navigates these complexities.
