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 are the implications of notable figures leaving X for the platform’s future and credibility?
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing the recent wave of notable figures who have decided to leave X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, largely due to concerns about Elon Musk’s influence. How significant do you think this backlash is?
**Guest:** It’s quite significant, especially when you consider the stature of those who are leaving. Artists like Francesco Guccini and Piero Pelù, as well as politicians like Sandro Ruotolo, don’t just represent individual voices; they symbolize broader concerns regarding freedom of speech and democracy under Musk’s ownership. Pelù directly labeled Musk as a “threat to democracy and freedom,” emphasizing that his controversial statements necessitate a strong civil response [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/elon-musk-twitter-everything-you-need-to-know/)].
**Interviewer:** Pelù mentioned the need for “civil resistance.” What do you think drives this sentiment among artists and public figures?
**Guest:** There’s a growing perception that X has transformed into a platform that facilitates harmful political discourse and misinformation, which many feel undermines democratic values. For instance, Guccini stated that he has no interest in a platform that manipulates political ideas [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/elon-musk-twitter-everything-you-need-to-know/)]. This reflects a broader struggle among cultural figures to uphold integrity and resist platforms that may support extremism or illiberal ideas.
**Interviewer:** Musk has also made headlines by getting involved in Italian politics, criticizing the judiciary’s actions. What impact do you think this has on public perception?
**Guest:** Musk’s interference in Italian political matters, particularly with statements like “these judges have to go,” has provoked strong reactions. Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s response highlighted the need for respect for national sovereignty, indicating that many don’t take kindly to foreign influence in domestic affairs [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/elon-musk-twitter-everything-you-need-to-know/)]. This sort of political meddling could amplify concerns about X as a “toxic media platform,” as noted by The Guardian, further alienating users who value the platform’s role in supporting democratic dialog [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/elon-musk-twitter-everything-you-need-to-know/)].
**Interviewer:** Now, major institutions like The Guardian have decided to drop their presence on X as well. How do you think this shapes the future of the platform?
**Guest:** The departure of significant media outlets signals a potential downturn for X’s credibility. They argue that Musk’s ownership allows for the promotion of disturbing content, such as conspiracy theories and extremism, which poses a danger to responsible political discourse [[1](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/elon-musk-twitter-everything-you-need-to-know/)]. If influential voices continue to leave, we might see a decline in user engagement and trust, complicating Musk’s goals of transforming X into a viable platform for public communication.
**Interviewer:** It seems we are witnessing a pivotal moment in the evolution of social media and its impact on society. Thank you for your insights on this important topic.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me; it’s crucial that we stay engaged in these discussions as they shape our democratic landscape.