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.
How can artists leverage their influence to promote positive change on social media platforms?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini: Exiting X and Concerns Over Elon Musk’s Influence**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. Recently, you, along with several other prominent figures, have decided to leave X (formerly Twitter). Can you share what prompted this decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My primary reason for leaving X revolves around my growing concerns about Elon Musk’s influence and his neo-imperialist views. His ideas are fundamentally incompatible with my own, and I refuse to support a platform that appears to manipulate political ideas in such a detrimental manner.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your statement that you don’t believe anyone will miss you on X. Why do you feel that way?
**Francesco Guccini:** I believe that my absence is a small ripple in a much larger sea. While I appreciate my followers, I think most people are well aware of the state of these platforms and the broader issues at play. What matters more to me is standing up for principles that I hold dear rather than seeking attention on a medium I no longer respect.
**Interviewer:** Other artists, like Piero Pelù and Nicola Piovani, have echoed similar sentiments. Do you believe there is a growing movement among artists against platforms like X?
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely, I think a collective departure can send a strong message about civil resistance. Artists, musicians, and public figures have a platform, and it’s essential to align our actions with our beliefs. It’s not just about us leaving; it’s about encouraging others to reflect on the implications of their digital presence and the responsibilities that come with it.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also mentioned that X aids in the manipulation of political discourse. Can you elaborate on that?
**Francesco Guccini:** Certainly. The way information is circulated and contested on that platform has a significant impact on public opinion. With figures like Musk at the helm, there’s a clear risk that misinformation and extremist views can gain traction. It’s troubling to see a platform that should promote free expression instead enabling harmful ideologies.
**Interviewer:** What would you like to see change in digital media platforms like X to ensure they promote healthy discourse?
**Francesco Guccini:** Firstly, I would advocate for more transparency in content moderation and a commitment to curbing hate speech and misinformation. Additionally, platforms should foster a culture that values responsible discourse rather than sensationalism, prioritizing the well-being of users and society over profit.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Francesco. Do you have any final comments for your fans and those still on the platform?
**Francesco Guccini:** I would encourage everyone to critically assess where and how they engage online. We all have a role in shaping the digital spaces we inhabit, and collective consciousness can lead to more responsible and empathetic communication. Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco, for your insights and for taking a stand in these challenging times.
