Don Lemon says Elon Musk canceled contract with X after 'nervous' interview

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CNN
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Don Lemon said Wednesday that his partnership with Elon Musk came under fire hours after the former CNN anchor interviewed the mercurial billionaire for the debut episode of his new independent web show last week. Announced.

“Elon publicly encouraged me to join X on the new show, saying he had his 'full support,'” Lemon said in a statement. “I am excited to work directly with diverse voices. “I'm interested,” he said, adding that he accepted Musk's words. ”

Lemon said the sit-down he held with Musk on the first episode of “The Don Lemon Show,” which will be released Monday on social media platforms including X and YouTube, was “respectful and extensive.” “There were no restrictions,” he said. About the interview he kindly agreed to. ”

“His commitment to a global town square where you can ask any question and share any idea doesn't seem to include questions for him from people like me,” Lemon said. added.

Lemon further targeted Musk's claims that he is a “free speech absolutist” in a video posted to his Instagram page on Wednesday.

“During our conversation, I kept saying it to him. It was nerve-wracking at times, but I thought it was good for people to see our interactions,” Lemon said. . “But apparently free speech absolutism doesn't apply to questions about him from people like me.”

In a statement, X defended Musk's decision to terminate the contract with Lemon.

“The Don Lemon Show welcomes you to publish your content on X without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to expand their work and connect with new communities,” the company said in a statement. Stated. “However, like any company, we reserve the right to make decisions regarding business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X has decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”

Asked by an X user why he made that decision, Musk attacked Lemon and CNN, which is not involved in Lemon's new venture.

“His approach was basically 'CNN but on social media,' and as the fact that CNN is dying shows, that doesn't work,” Musk wrote. “And it wasn't the real Don Lemon, it was really just Don Lemon.” [former CNN chief] Jeff Zucker speaking through Don lacked credibility. ”

However, a spokesperson for Mr. Lemon told CNN that he expects Mr. Musk to abide by the financial terms of the agreement.

“Don has a contract with Company X and expects to be paid for it,” the spokesperson said. “If I have to go to court, I will.”

The deal comes after Musk urged Lemon to launch a show on his platform, writing to X last year: [MSNBC host] Rachel Maddow, Don Lemon, and other leftists host shows on this platform. No exclusivity or legal documents required. We will do our best to support you. Digital Town Square is for everyone. ”

In another post, Musk directly appealed to Lemon: It might be worth a try. The number of spectators is much larger. ”

Musk claims to believe in the absolutism of free speech, but he has repeatedly taken steps to limit the speech of his critics. The billionaire has also suspended journalists from his own platform and filed lawsuits against watchdog groups for publishing reports critical of X.

Musk has frequently launched ugly attacks on journalists and traditional news organizations, while at the same time elevating conspiracy theories and extremist rhetoric.

Last year, Musk endorsed an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that led to a number of advertisers fleeing Company X. Only then, days later, did Mr. Musk publicly express his remorse for his actions.

Lemon was fired from CNN last year, a decision the longtime anchor said he was “stunned.” CNN did not provide a specific reason for Lemon's firing, but his resignation comes after Lemon was widely criticized for making sexist comments about then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. It became. Ms. Lemon apologized for her comments at the time, saying, “When I make a mistake, it's my responsibility. And I own this, too.”

This article has been updated with the statement posted on X and additional context.