Elon Musk cancels Don Lemon’s new exclusive TV show on X According to one person, before the event. lemon statement Wednesday. The former CNN host said Elon Musk didn’t like his interview with Lemon, so Musk called off their partnership just hours after the conversation ended.
“Obviously, free speech absolutism does not apply when it comes to the issues people like me have raised with him,” Lemon said in a statement. Videos on X Published Wednesday. “It doesn’t change anything about the show, except my relationship with Elon and X.”
Lemon said he will still publish the interview on X, YouTube and other platforms on Monday, March 18. The Don Lemon Show was set to premiere on Channel X this spring, along with other controversial hosts, including Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and sports commentator Jim Rome.It’s part of Elon Musk’s push into video, with CEO Linda Yaccarino saying: “X is becoming a The first video platform“. But Lemons will no longer be involved in the push, as Musk sent a message to his representatives saying “contract terminated,” first reported Kara Swisher.
However, Lemon reportedly never signed the contract. traffic light. Although the deal was publicly announced, the two sides reportedly stalled on signing a contract for weeks. Elon Musk and X may argue that it does not owe the former CNN host, although Lemon’s legal team told Semafor it is willing to go to court over the payment.
“The interview he voluntarily agreed to was without any restrictions, and my questions were respectful and broad-based,” Lemon said in a statement.The interview reportedly touched on the topic of Elon Musk Ketamine use, SpaceX, free speech, and the presidential election. “We had a great chat. Obviously he felt differently,” Lemon said.
Musk said he terminated the deal because Lemon wanted to create “CNN, but on social media.” He went on to say that Lemon was not really himself and was “really just Jeff Zucker (former CNN chairman) speaking through Don, so there was a lack of authenticity.” Tweet on X. However, Musk confirmed that Lemon would welcome increased viewership on the platform.
Lemon, a 17-year television veteran, was fired by CNN in 2023. He said many people told him something similar would happen to Elon, but he didn’t listen. “Many of you were upset that I did this in the first place,” he continued in the video. He said he does this to reach as many people as possible. Lemon said that despite Elon’s “broken promises,” he is now “doubling down” on his commitment to free speech.
The Don Lemon Show will still produce episodes and publish them on YouTube. It’s unclear whether X will have to pay Don Lemon a fee, but won’t get an exclusive TV spot from him.