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.
How do you perceive the role of artists in advocating for democratic values in today’s digital landscape?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: Taking a Stand Against X**
**Editor:** Today, we’re joined by the legendary Italian singer-songwriter Francesco Guccini, who recently made headlines for his decision to leave X, formerly known as Twitter. Francesco, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
**Guccini:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** You, along with various notable figures like Piero Pelù and Nicola Piovani, have spoken out against Elon Musk and his ownership of X. Can you elaborate on why you made the decision to leave the platform?
**Guccini:** Certainly. I believe that Musk’s ideas and practices are fundamentally at odds with democratic values. To support a platform that he controls, which I see as a tool for manipulating political discourse, would be against everything I stand for as an artist and a citizen. There are so many troubling indicators that show how X can skew perceptions and support extremist views.
**Editor:** You mentioned the manipulation of political ideas. Can you provide some examples of this concern?
**Guccini:** Yes, the platform has been criticized for allowing previously blocked accounts of right-wing extremists to resurface. This creates an environment where false information can thrive, which can have real-world consequences. It’s disheartening to see such troubling content being normalized and not appropriately regulated.
**Editor:** Italian President Sergio Mattarella has emphasized that Italy is a sovereign nation capable of managing its own affairs. What’s your take on Musk’s recent comments about Italian judges and politics?
**Guccini:** I think that’s an important statement. Musk’s advice on Italian governance is out of line. He needs to understand that he’s not an authority on other countries. His statements regarding judges are particularly irresponsible, and it underscores the need for artists and public figures to draw a line against external interference in our democratic processes.
**Editor:** You’ve emphasized civil resistance. How do you think individual actions, like yours and others leaving X, contribute to that resistance?
**Guccini:** Every action counts. It may seem small, but when a community of artists and public figures chooses to stand up and withdraw from a platform they believe is harmful, it sends a clear message. It shows we refuse to be complicit in systems that undermine our values. My hope is that more people reconsider their involvement and support platforms that align with the principles of freedom and democracy.
**Editor:** Thank you, Francesco. It’s crucial to hear from influential voices like yours on these issues.
**Guccini:** Thank you for shedding light on this topic. We must continue to stand for what we believe in.
