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.
**Interview with Sandro Ruotolo: Resignation from X (formerly Twitter)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sandro. Recently, you announced your decision to leave X, citing concerns about Elon Musk’s influence over the platform. Could you elaborate on what prompted this decision?
**Sandro Ruotolo:** Absolutely. My decision to close my account on X is rooted in deep concerns about the impact that Elon Musk’s leadership is having on democracy and freedom of expression. Musk’s approach raises significant ethical questions, and I couldn’t continue to support a platform that seems to prioritize profit over the integrity of political discourse and civic responsibility.
**Interviewer:** You’re not alone in this. Prominent figures like Francesco Guccini and Piero Pelù have also stepped away from X. What do you think this collective stance signifies for the broader artistic and political community?
**Sandro Ruotolo:** I believe it reflects a critical turning point. Artists and politicians alike have a responsibility to stand up for democratic values. The fact that we are seeing such a wide array of voices taking this stance signals that there is a growing intolerance for platforms that undermine the very fabric of democratic dialog. It’s not just an individual decision; it’s a civil resistance against the erosion of our freedom.
**Interviewer:** Musk has made headlines recently for his controversial comments about the Italian judiciary. How do you interpret his involvement in domestic politics, and what potential risks do you see in this behavior?
**Sandro Ruotolo:** Musk’s comments about Italian judges are alarming. It shows a blatant disregard for national sovereignty and judicial independence. When someone with his influence publicly undermines our institutions, it sets a dangerous precedent. We must be vigilant against such interventions that can disrupt the delicate balance of power and undermine public trust in democratic processes.
**Interviewer:** The editorial team at The Guardian also referred to X as a “toxic media platform.” Do you share this assessment, and if so, how do you think this affects users?
**Sandro Ruotolo:** Yes, I completely agree. Many users, including those in the political realm, are increasingly wary of engaging in a space that can amplify divisive narratives and extremist views. The reactivation of previously banned accounts and the spread of harmful conspiracy theories degrade the quality of discourse. As political figures, we need to create environments that encourage healthy discussions, not ones that cultivate fear and misinformation.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what alternatives do you envision for those seeking a safe space to engage in meaningful dialog?
**Sandro Ruotolo:** We need to invest in alternative platforms that prioritize user safety and uphold democratic values. These spaces should focus on fostering civil discourse and protecting users from harassment and toxic content. It’s essential that we collectively build communities that champion freedom of expression while also being responsible stewards of that freedom.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights today, Sandro. Your thoughts are crucial as we navigate this evolving media landscape.
**Sandro Ruotolo:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue this conversation and advocate for a media environment that respects democracy and truth.