Elon Musk canceled Don Lemon’s new unique TV present on X earlier than it even began, based on a assertion from Lemon on Wednesday. The previous CNN host says Elon Musk didn’t like his interview with Lemon, so Musk canceled their partnership simply hours after the dialog concluded.
Mr. Tweet Fumbles Tremendous Bowl Tweet
“Apparently, free speech absolutism doesn’t apply in relation to questions on him from individuals like me,” stated Lemon in a video on X posted Wednesday. “This doesn’t change something in regards to the present, apart from my relationship with Elon and X.”
Lemon says he’ll nonetheless submit the interview on X, YouTube, and different platforms on Monday, March 18th. The Don Lemon Present was slated to premiere on X this spring alongside a roster of different controversial present hosts, together with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and sports activities commentator Jim Rome. It’s a part of Elon Musk’s push into video, as CEO Linda Yaccarino says “X is changing into a video first platform.” Nonetheless, Lemon will now not be a part of this push, as Musk despatched his representatives a message saying “contract terminated,” first reported by Kara Swisher.
“There have been no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to, and my questions had been respectful and wide-ranging,” stated Lemon in an announcement. The interview reportedly broached the topic of Elon Musk’s ketamine use, SpaceX, free speech, and the presidential election. “We had a very good dialog. Clearly he felt otherwise,” stated Lemon.
Musk says he terminated the contract as a result of Lemon wished to create “CNN, however on social media.” He continued that Lemon wasn’t being genuinely himself, and “was actually simply Jeff Zucker (former president of CNN) speaking by means of Don, so lacked authenticity,” in a tweet on X. Nonetheless, Musk confirmed Lemon is welcome to construct viewership on the platform.
Lemon, a tv veteran of 17 years who CNN fired in 2023, says many individuals instructed him one thing like this could occur with Elon, however he didn’t hear. “A lot of you weren’t pleased that I used to be doing this within the first place,” he continued within the video. He stated he went by means of with it to succeed in the biggest variety of individuals doable. Lemon says he’s now “doubling down” on his dedication to free speech, at the same time as Elon “goes again on his phrase.”
The Don Lemon Present will nonetheless produce episodes and launch them on YouTube. Kara Swisher reviews that X must pay out Don Lemon for his contract, although it received’t get his unique TV present.
