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 does Piero Pelù define civil resistance in the context of artist activism and social media platforms?
**Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on Elon Musk and Freedom of Speech**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Piero Pelù. Thank you for joining us today. Recently, you announced your departure from X (formerly Twitter) due to your concerns about Elon Musk’s influence. Can you elaborate on your decision?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. Yes, my decision to leave X stems from what I believe are Musk’s neo-imperialist views and his threat to democracy and freedom. In today’s world, it’s crucial for artists and public figures to take a stand against ideologies that could undermine our values.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned civil resistance in your statement. Can you explain what you mean by that?
**Piero Pelù:** Civil resistance is about making personal choices that reflect our beliefs. By leaving X, I hope to send a message that we cannot accept platforms that manipulate political discourse or promote harmful ideologies. It’s about showing solidarity with those who resist oppression, even in small ways.
**Interviewer:** Other prominent figures like Francesco Guccini and Nicola Piovani have also stepped away from X. Do you think this trend reflects a broader discomfort with Musk’s leadership?
**Piero Pelù:** Absolutely. It’s a collective concern. Many in the creative community feel that Musk’s ideas are fundamentally opposed to our values. When respected figures in music and politics voice their discontent, it creates a dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of platform owners and the impact on society.
**Interviewer:** How do you view Musk’s recent comments about Italian judges and the political climate in Italy?
**Piero Pelù:** His remarks are indicative of a troubling pattern—interfering in national matters without regard for sovereignty. Musk’s influence can drown out local voices and erode the democratic fabric of a country. It’s essential for individuals, especially those in powerful positions, to recognize the weight of their words.
**Interviewer:** The Guardian and other media outlets have called X a “toxic media platform.” What are your thoughts on this characterization?
**Piero Pelù:** I agree with that assessment. Platforms that allow the spread of extremist views, conspiracy theories, and racism undermine the healthy exchange of ideas. By fostering such content, Musk compromises the integrity of discourse and erodes trust in media overall.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your departure from X?
**Piero Pelù:** I want to encourage others to reassess their engagement with platforms that do not align with their values. If we collectively withdraw our support, it sends a powerful message—user engagement is a form of protest. We need to advocate for spaces that promote freedom and respect for all.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Piero, for sharing your insights with us. Your perspective is valuable in these challenging times.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep this conversation going.
