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 factors led Francesco Guccini to join other artists and political figures in leaving X?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini on Recent Exits from X and Concerns Over Democracy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. As one of the notable figures who have recently distanced themselves from X—formerly Twitter—what prompted your decision to leave this platform?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X is rooted in my profound concern over Elon Musk’s management of the platform and his influence over political discourse. His ideas are, frankly, light years away from mine. I find it troubling to be part of a space that, in my view, is used to manipulate political ideas and spread toxic content.
**Interviewer:** Many prominent artists and political figures, like Nicola Piovani and Sandro Ruotolo, have joined you in this decision. Do you see this as a collective stand against the way Musk is handling X?
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely. When such a diverse group of individuals, from musicians to political leaders, make this choice, it signals a significant consensus about our concerns for democracy and freedom. We believe it is crucial to demonstrate civil resistance to the manipulation of platforms like this, which can have disastrous implications for public discourse.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your statement that you don’t think anyone will miss you on X. Can you elaborate on why you feel that way?
**Francesco Guccini:** Well, social media is a vast ocean—I often feel like a small fish in it. My absence won’t create a void; the platform will continue to operate regardless. However, it’s about principle for me. I would rather step away than contribute to a platform that I believe undermines democratic values.
**Interviewer:** How do you perceive Musk’s recent comments regarding the Italian judiciary and political matters?
**Francesco Guccini:** I think it’s inappropriate for someone like Musk to weigh in on the internal matters of other countries, especially in such a dismissive way. Italy has a rich history of democracy, and we can take care of our own affairs without outside interference. His comments reflect a kind of neo-imperialism that is troubling.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with your departure from X, do you have any plans for alternative avenues to communicate your views and music?
**Francesco Guccini:** Yes, certainly. I believe in the power of art and music to bind us together. I’ll continue to share my work and ideas through concerts, interviews, and other platforms that respect the values I hold dear. It’s important to find spaces where dialogue can flourish without the toxicity that seems to pervade platforms run by powerful individuals.
