St Pauli Hamburg has decided to leave the social media platform X, citing as a reason that Elon Musk, the owner of the microblogging platform, has turned it into a "hate amplifier." "Elon Musk has turned a space for debate into a hate amplifier that could also influence the Bundestag elections,

German soccer club St. Pauli is leaving X, saying the social media platform has become a “hate machine” that could influence upcoming German elections.

Musk purchased the platform formerly known as Twitter in 2022. Critics say his hands-off approach has allowed lies and hate speech to spread, while Musk has said he is defending free speech. Hamburg-based St Pauli are known for having an alternative fan scene and left-wing supporter base.