Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, revealed on Wednesday that Elon Musk had pulled the plug on his new talk show on the social media platform X before the first episode even aired.
In a statement posted on X, Lemon claimed that Musk was unhappy with an interview he had conducted with the broadcaster on Friday, nearly two months after their agreement was announced. Lemon described the interview as “testy” in a separate video post.
“There were no restrictions on the interview that he had agreed to, and my questions were respectful and covered a wide range of topics, from SpaceX to the presidential election,” Lemon stated. “We had a good conversation. Clearly, he felt differently.”
During an appearance on CNN Wednesday night, Lemon mentioned that by the end of his 90-minute interview with Musk, “I could tell that he was upset and uncomfortable.”
In a clip aired on CNN, Musk appeared to react negatively when Lemon asked about hate speech on X and whether he felt responsible for moderating content.
“I don’t have to answer questions from reporters,” Musk responded, stating that he wouldn’t have agreed to the interview if Lemon didn’t have a deal with X. “I’m constantly criticized. I couldn’t care less,” Musk added.
Lemon assured that the interview with Musk would still be available to watch on YouTube and X on Monday. “While Elon reneges on his promise, I will continue to stand by my commitment to free speech,” he affirmed.
A spokeswoman for Lemon stated that he would still seek payment from X. “Don has a deal with X and expects to be compensated for it,” she declared. “We are prepared to take legal action if necessary.”
X’s verified corporate account confirmed that the company had decided not to proceed with a commercial partnership with the show. When a user asked for specific reasons, Musk responded from his personal account and accused Lemon of being a mouthpiece for former CNN chief Jeff Zucker, who resigned in early 2022.
“Rather than it being the authentic Don Lemon, it was essentially Jeff Zucker speaking through Don, lacking authenticity,” Musk alleged.
Lemon, who was dismissed from CNN last April, entered into a content agreement with X in January as part of the company’s effort to expand its video offerings. The platform also collaborated with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and sports personality Jim Rome.
“Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, assuring me of his ‘full support’ and stating that his ‘digital town square is for all,'” Lemon recounted in his statement. “I took Elon and his management team at their word that they were genuinely interested in collaborating with new and diverse voices for the first time.”
Musk, who assumed control of what was previously known as Twitter in late 2022, pledged to make the platform a space for “free speech,” despite facing criticism for spreading misinformation and providing a platform for conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones.
His initial media partnership was with former Fox News host and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who later launched his own independent media venture.
Lemon’s announcement of his departure from CNN coincided with Fox News’ announcement of parting ways with Carlson. The news of Lemon’s departure followed allegations of mistreatment towards female colleagues in his career, as reported by Variety.
Lemon has denied these allegations.
Lemon also faced backlash for on-air remarks about then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley that were widely seen as sexist and ageist.
