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, 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 were the specific incidents or statements by Elon Musk that influenced your decision to leave X?
**Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on Leaving X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Piero. Recently, you announced that you would be leaving X (formerly Twitter). Can you share what motivated this decision?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. My decision stems from deep concerns about Elon Musk’s influence on the platform. I believe his statements and management style pose a significant threat to democracy and freedom. It felt essential to take a stand and show civil resistance against this.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned civil resistance. Can you elaborate on what that means in the context of social media?
**Piero Pelù:** Civil resistance is about making our voices heard and standing up for our values. In today’s world, where social media can manipulate political ideas and narratives, it is our responsibility to show that we won’t tolerate platforms that compromise our democratic principles.
**Interviewer:** Many people have different views about social media’s role in society. How do you see the relationship between artists and platforms like X?
**Piero Pelù:** Artists have a platform that can influence society, but it’s important that this influence is used responsibly. I no longer want to engage in a space that promotes toxic behavior and undermines free expression for the sake of political interests.
**Interviewer:** Other notable figures like Francesco Guccini and Nicola Piovani have also stepped away from X. Do you feel this collective response will spark a broader movement among artists?
**Piero Pelù:** Absolutely. When respected voices in the arts take a stand, it can inspire others to reflect on their platforms and the kind of discourse they want to engage in. I hope this will lead to a more significant movement toward accountability on social media.
**Interviewer:** Following your departure, have you found alternative platforms where discussions about important issues can be held more freely?
**Piero Pelù:** I am exploring other avenues where dialogue can be respectful and constructive. There are emerging platforms that prioritize user safety and civil discourse, and I believe it’s important to support those.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Piero, for sharing your insights. It’s encouraging to see artists advocating for democratic values in the digital age.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue this conversation, and I hope more people will consider the implications of their online presence.