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 specific actions or statements from Elon Musk influenced your decision to leave X?
### Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on Leaving X (Formerly Twitter)
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Piero. Recently, you’ve made the decision to leave X due to your concerns regarding Elon Musk. Can you share a bit more about what prompted this decision?
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you for having me. I believe it’s crucial to take a stand when a platform is being used to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic values. Elon Musk’s neo-imperialist statements pose a threat to civil liberties, and it simply felt right for me to take a step back and show my resistance against that.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned taking a stand for civil resistance. Do you think artists have a responsibility to use their platforms to address these issues?
**Piero Pelù**: Absolutely. Artists have a unique voice and the ability to influence opinions. When we see something that contradicts our values, it’s our duty to speak out. It’s not about being popular; it’s about being principled.
**Interviewer**: Other notable figures like Nicola Piovani and Francesco Guccini have also stepped away from X. What do you think this collective action signifies?
**Piero Pelù**: It shows a growing awareness among public figures regarding the power of social media and its impact on society. When prominent voices unite in opposition to a certain narrative, it can spark important conversations and perhaps lead to change.
**Interviewer**: In your statement, you mentioned that many consider your decision to be extreme. How do you respond to skeptics?
**Piero Pelù**: Change often comes with discomfort and skepticism. However, I believe that taking a principled stand is necessary. Ignoring troubling behavior only allows it to persist. I’d rather be considered radical than complacent in the face of injustice.
**Interviewer**: what message would you like to send to your fans and fellow artists regarding this issue?
**Piero Pelù**: My message is simple: think critically about where and how you engage in dialogue. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means stepping away from certain platforms. Our voices matter, and we must use them wisely to foster a democratic society.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Piero. Your perspective is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
**Piero Pelù**: Thank you for having me. Here’s to standing up for our values!