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.
How do Piero Pelù and other artists envision engaging with their audiences on alternative platforms following their departure from X?
**Interview with Musician Piero Pelù on Artists Leaving X**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Piero. Recently, we’ve seen a significant shift in the cultural landscape, with notable figures like yourself, Francesco Guccini, and Nicola Piovani distancing themselves from X, formerly known as Twitter. What motivated your decision to leave the platform?
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for having me. My decision was rooted in a deep concern for democracy and freedom. Elon Musk’s rhetoric and actions have raised alarm bells for many of us. He seems to embody a neo-imperialist mindset that threatens the very foundations of democratic discourse. I felt it was essential to take a stand and show what I believe is a fundamental act of civil resistance [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793)].
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that you’re not alone in this sentiment. Other artists and even politicians have echoed your thoughts. Nicola Piovani mentioned, “It’s time to go.” How do you see this collective action changing the conversation around social media platforms?
**Piero Pelù:** Absolutely, when artists and public figures like us take a stand, it sends a powerful message. We are highlighting the importance of choosing platforms that align with our values. This collective withdrawal from X is a form of protest against a medium that many of us believe is manipulating political ideologies and spreading toxicity instead of fostering healthy dialog. It challenges both the platforms and their owners to reconsider their responsibilities [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793)].
**Interviewer:** Some individuals might view this decision as extreme, especially given X’s popularity. What would you say to those who criticize artists for leaving?
**Piero Pelù:** It is indeed a bold choice, and I understand that some may see it as drastic. However, sometimes bold actions are necessary to spur change. If we remain complacent, we risk normalizing harmful behaviors and ideologies. As artists, it is our duty to lead by example and encourage discourse that respects human rights and freedoms [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793)].
**Interviewer:** In light of your departure, do you have plans to engage with your audience through different platforms? How do you see the future of communication for artists?
**Piero Pelù:** I believe that we need to explore alternative platforms that prioritize user safety and civil discourse. Engaging with fans on platforms that reflect our values can help cultivate a healthier community. It might also encourage the emergence of new, more ethical social media spaces that respect users and promote genuine interactions. The future is certainly promising if we all commit to making these changes [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/x-sees-largest-user-exodus-musk-takeover-rcna179793)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Piero, for sharing your insight and experiences. It’s a crucial moment for both artists and users alike, and your perspective is invaluable.
**Piero Pelù:** Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. Let’s hope for a more democratic future, both online and off.