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 main reasons Francesco Guccini decided to leave X, and how does he believe it relates to recent issues of political discourse on the platform?
**Interview with Francesco Guccini on Recent Departures from X**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the honor of speaking with celebrated Italian songwriter Francesco Guccini. Francesco, thank you for joining us. Recently, several prominent figures, including yourself, have decided to leave X, formerly known as Twitter. What prompted your decision?
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. My decision to leave X stems from a fundamental disagreement with the direction that Elon Musk has taken the platform. His views and rhetoric, especially concerning political matters, feel light years away from my own. I can no longer support a platform that seems to manipulate political discourse to such an extent.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a manipulation of political ideas. Can you elaborate on what specific changes have concerned you the most?
**Francesco Guccini:** Yes, it’s particularly troubling how the platform has become a space that tolerates and even promotes harmful content, including conspiracy theories and extremist views. This shift has serious implications for public discourse and democracy itself. I personally do not want to be associated with a platform that allows such ideologies to flourish.
**Interviewer:** Piero Pelù, Nicola Piovani, and MEP Sandro Ruotolo are among others who have shared similar sentiments of resistance. What does this collective departure indicate, in your opinion, about the role of social media in our society?
**Francesco Guccini:** It shows that people are beginning to take a stand against the misuse of platforms that should ideally foster open dialog. When creative individuals and public figures choose civil resistance over silence, it speaks volumes about the need for accountability among those who run these platforms. We must prioritize freedom and democracy over engagement metrics.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also spoken out against Musk’s recent comments about Italian judges. How do you view his involvement in foreign politics?
**Francesco Guccini:** It’s quite audacious and frankly inappropriate. Musk’s comments undermine the sovereignty of democratic nations like Italy. As someone deeply passionate about democratic values, I believe that individuals in positions of power, particularly in media, should respect and understand their influence and refrain from meddling in the affairs of sovereign states.
**Interviewer:** Following your withdrawal and those of others like The Guardian, do you think this trend could significantly impact X’s future?
**Francesco Guccini:** I hope it does. Public figures stepping away from a platform speaks to its reputation and the need for change. If more people prioritize their principles and step back from toxic environments, perhaps it could lead to a necessary reevaluation of how social media operates and serves the public.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your thoughts today. It’s clear that the implications of these decisions go far beyond personal choice and touch on broader issues of democracy and media responsibility.
**Francesco Guccini:** Thank you for having me. It’s always important to engage in these discussions.
