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 Elon Musk’s leadership style contribute to the growing backlash against X among different generational perspectives?
**Interview: Elon Musk’s X and the Growing Backlash**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re discussing the recent rebranding of Twitter to “X” under Elon Musk and the significant backlash it has elicited from various public figures. Joining us is political analyst and media expert, Dr. Maria Conti. Welcome, Dr. Conti!
**Dr. Conti:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen prominent musicians and political figures, like Francesco Guccini and Sandro Ruotolo, step back from X. In your view, what does this indicate about Musk’s influence on the platform?
**Dr. Conti:** This is quite indicative of a larger trend where influential voices in art and politics are choosing to distance themselves from a platform they perceive as harmful to democratic discourse. By leaving X, they’re making a statement about their values—essentially saying they do not want to be associated with a platform they see as promoting misinformation and undermining freedom.
**Interviewer:** Francesco Guccini referred to Musk’s ideas as “light years away from mine.” How do you interpret this generational divide in perspectives?
**Dr. Conti:** It’s fascinating. Many artists, especially those from earlier generations, view social media—and specifically platforms like X—as a potential threat to the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. They see Musk’s leadership style and approach to governance as antithetical to the values they uphold. Younger users, however, might be more willing to navigate this space without the same ideological concerns.
**Interviewer:** Elon Musk recently made controversial comments regarding Italian judges, sparking further debate. How do you see his political involvement affecting the platform?
**Dr. Conti:** Musk’s foray into political matters certainly complicates X’s role as a neutral platform. When a platform owner makes politically charged statements, it raises questions about the nature of discourse allowed within that space. Critics argue that it can lead to a manipulation of political narratives, which we are already seeing manifest in the reactions of both users and authorities.
**Interviewer:** Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella responded critically to Musk’s comments, emphasizing national sovereignty. What does this say about the intersection of social media and national politics?
**Dr. Conti:** It illustrates the fragility of sovereignty in the digital age. Social media platforms have immense global reach, yet they are often run by individuals whose interests may not align with national priorities. When someone like Musk weighs in on political issues in a different country, it can undermine the public’s trust in the platform as a neutral space, further polarizing the conversation.
**Interviewer:** The Guardian has termed X a “toxic media platform.” How detrimental is this label for the future of X, especially considering its new branding?
**Dr. Conti:** Such labels are incredibly harmful. The credibility of a platform is vital for user engagement. If substantial media outlets and influential individuals dismiss X as toxic, it undermines its appeal. Brands and advertisers also tend to shy away from platforms seen as fostering harmful content, which could impact X’s financial model in the long run. This perception poses a real challenge for Musk as he aims to transform X into an “everything” app.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Conti, for your insights. It seems Musk’s ambition to reshape X is facing significant challenges ahead.
**Dr. Conti:** Absolutely. It’s a complex landscape, and it will be interesting to see how this evolves. Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us!