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 were the main reasons Francesco Guccini decided to leave X (formerly Twitter)?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini on Leaving X (formerly Twitter)**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Francesco. You’ve made a notable decision to leave X. Can you share what influenced your choice?*
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X was primarily driven by my concerns over Elon Musk’s leadership and the implications it has for democracy and freedom of expression. I believe his actions and statements are far removed from my values, and I don’t wish to be affiliated with a platform that plays a role in manipulating political ideas.
*Interviewer: You’ve mentioned Musk’s ideas being “light years away” from yours. Can you elaborate on what specifically about his governance concerns you?*
**Francesco Guccini:** Certainly. Musk’s recent involvement in political discourse, particularly regarding the Italian judiciary, raised serious red flags for me. His remarks about needing to remove judges reflect a troubling mindset that disregards the independence of democratic institutions. I feel that someone with such views should not have influence over a platform used by millions for meaningful discourse.
*Interviewer: Many have described X as a ”toxic media platform.” Do you agree with this characterization?*
**Francesco Guccini:** Absolutely. There’s a growing narrative that X facilitates the spread of harmful content, including conspiracy theories and extremist views. This isn’t just speculation; several prominent organizations, including ‘The Guardian’, have voiced similar concerns. They’ve stated that Musk’s influence has turned X into a platform that distorts political dialog rather than fostering healthy discussion.
*Interviewer: Other notable figures, like Piero Pelù and Sandro Ruotolo, have also exited X. Do you think a collective action like this can make a difference?*
**Francesco Guccini:** I hope so. When artists and public figures stand up together, it sends a powerful message about the need for accountability and the protection of civil liberties. It’s crucial for us to show civil resistance to what we view as a coercive influence threatening our democratic expressions.
*Interviewer: In light of your departure, what do you hope to achieve or encourage among your fans and followers?*
**Francesco Guccini:** I want to encourage individuals to think critically about the platforms they use and how those platforms impact the broader societal discourse. It’s about prioritizing our values—if we see something we believe is wrong, it’s essential to take a stand, even if others consider it a “crazy” decision. Real change often starts with small, personal choices.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Francesco. Your insights are both thought-provoking and necessary in today’s climate.*
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for the conversation. It’s important that we all remain vigilant and committed to protecting our democratic values.
