On Wednesday, Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, opened up about how Elon Musk canceled his new talk show on X before the first episode even premiered.
He took to X with a statement claiming Musk was upset about an interview he did with him on Friday, almost exactly two months after the announcement of their deal.
A separate video post saw Lemon describe the interview as “testy.” “There were no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to. And my questions were respectful and wide-ranging, covering everything from SpaceX to the presidential election,” Lemon has said. “We had a good conversation. He felt differently.”
During his appearance on CNN Wednesday night, Lemon said he could tell Musk was “upset and uncomfortable” by the end of the 90-minute interview. In a clip from the interview, Musk seemingly bristled at Lemon’s question about hate speech on X and whether he feels any responsibility to moderate content.
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“I don’t have to answer questions from reporters,” Musk replied. Then he added that he wouldn’t have agreed to the interview if the broadcaster didn’t have a deal with X. “I’m criticized constantly. I could care less,” were Musk’s words.
According to Lemon, the interview with Musk will still be available to watch on YouTube and X on Monday. “While Elon goes back on his word, I will be doubling down on my commitment to free speech,” he said.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Lemon said he would still seek remuneration from X. According to her, Don has a deal with X and must receive remuneration for it. Even if they must go to court.
X’s verified corporate account confirms that the company has “decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.” When an X user asked for specific reasons, Musk replied from his personal handle, accusing Lemon of being a mouthpiece for former CNN chief Jeff Zucker. Zucker stepped down in early 2022.
“Instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity,” Musk said. Zucker’s spokesperson declined to comment.
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Lemon, whom CNN fired last April, made a content pact with X in January as part of what the company billed as a push to expand video offerings. The platform also collaborates with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and sports personality Jim Rome.
“Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, saying I would have his ‘full support’ and that his ‘digital town square is for all.’… I took Elon and his management team’s word that they, for the first time, were interested in working directly with new and diverse voices,” Lemon’s statement reads.
Musk, who took control of X/formerly Twitter in late 2022, vowed to make the platform a haven for “free speech.” He has attracted intense scrutiny for propagating misinformation and giving conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones a platform.
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The tech mogul’s first media partnership was with the former Fox News host and right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson. Lemon announced his termination from CNN on the same day that Fox News said it was parting ways with Carlson.
The news of Lemon’s exit came after allegations that he mistreated female colleagues over his career. He has denied those allegations.
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