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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. ”
In an interview with CNN's Erin Burnett on Wednesday night, Lemon spoke about his interactions with Musk and shared video excerpts from a 90-minute sit-down in which Lemon questioned Musk on a variety of topics.
Lemon confronted Musk about the rise in hate speech against X since the billionaire took over the social media platform last year, asking if he thought he and the company had a responsibility to moderate hate content. said.
“Don, you don't have to answer reporters' questions,” Musk responded. “The only reason I'm doing this interview is because you're on the X platform and you asked for it. Otherwise I wouldn't be doing this interview.”
Lemon also asked about Musk's recent meeting with former President Donald Trump. CNN previously reported that Mr. Musk was one of several Mr. Trump held with donors in Palm Beach in recent weeks to try to raise more money for his financially strapped campaign. He agreed to meet with.
“I was having breakfast at a friend's house and Donald Trump came over. That's it,” Musk said, adding that Trump “did most of the talking.”
Musk said Trump, who faces more than $500 million in damages in a civil judgment and multiple criminal cases pending in court, was not seeking money. “He has not paid any legal fees in any way,” Musk said.
Lemon also brought up Musk's public use of the drug ketamine and asked the SpaceX founder if he thought that would pose a problem with government security clearances. Lemon said Musk said no because he had a prescription for the drug.
In his statement on social media, 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.
In a video posted to his social media on Wednesday, Lemon further targeted Musk's claims that he is a “free speech absolutist.”
“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.”
The meeting has not yet been made public, but sources said Musk became offended when Lemon asked him questions about his use of the drug ketamine, government security clearances and anti-Semitism.
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.”
A person familiar with the matter told CNN that Lemon technically did not have a contract with Company X. However, it is not always necessary to sign a contract to be legally binding, especially if it is clear that both parties have reached a mutual understanding. And people familiar with the matter say Lemon's camp is confident a deal is effectively done, as evidenced by the fact that X publicly touted the deal earlier this year. Furthermore, according to a person familiar with the matter, Musk himself seems to have confirmed that there was a contract, texting Jay Schurs, the UTA power agent who represents Lemon, saying, “The contract has been cancelled.” It is said that he sent
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.
