Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, announced Wednesday that Elon Musk had canceled a partnership for him to host a new show on X, the social media platform owned by Musk.
Lemon mentioned he was told about the cancellation just hours after taping an interview with Musk for the premiere of The Don Lemon Show on March 18.
Don Lemon's Canceled Commercial Deal with Elon Musk
Lemon commented on the interview, stating they had a positive conversation, but Elon Musk seemed to have a different perspective. Lemon noted that Musk's vision for an open forum where all questions and ideas are welcome does not apply to questions from individuals like himself.
In his statement, Lemon mentioned that the interview was unrestricted, which Elon Musk willingly agreed to. Lemon's questions were respectful and covered various topics, including SpaceX and the presidential election.
Elon Musk's Lack of Authenticity Perspective
Musk posted on X later Wednesday, stating that he felt the interview lacked authenticity because it seemed like Jeff Zucker was speaking through Don Lemon instead of Lemon being himself. However, Musk mentioned that Lemon and Zucker are still welcome to grow their audience on the platform, just as everyone else does. Zucker is the former president of CNN.
Musk has identified himself as a First Amendment and free speech advocate for years. Upon assuming control of Twitter, he restored accounts that had been permanently banned under previous management, including that of former President Donald Trump. However, he has shown limited tolerance for his employees' expression of free speech and has banned or suspended numerous critics of X since acquiring the company.
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The Don Lemon Show Will Still Go On-Air
Lemon stated that his show would go on despite the deal's cancellation. Lemon confirmed that the interview with Musk will be uploaded on YouTube and podcast platforms as planned and will still be available on X.
The corporate account for X stated on the site that The Don Lemon Show can share its content on X without censorship, as the platform supports creators in reaching wider audiences and connecting with new communities. However, as with any business, X retains the right to decide on its business partnerships. After careful consideration, X chose not to pursue a commercial partnership with the show.
Allison Gollust, who serves as a spokesperson for the former cable news anchor and former chief marketing officer at CNN, stated that Lemon anticipates compensation for the partnership with X and would have to go to court if they must.
In January, X announced that Lemon would host a show on the platform alongside programs by former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and sports commentator Jim Rome. Lemon was dismissed from CNN last year due to sexist on-air remarks and reports of mistreating coworkers.
CNBC contacted Musk, one of his attorneys, Alex Spiro, and Twitter separately. Still, whether any contract or terms had been established between X and The Don Lemon Show's partnership remains uncertain.
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