Former CNN anchor Don Lemon revealed Wednesday that hours after filming an interview with Elon Musk to premiere a show that will air exclusively on X (formerly Twitter), the impulsive platform owner killed the streaming deal entirely .
In a statement shared with X, Lemon said Musk unilaterally canceled the collaboration — part of a “public commitment to amplify more diverse voices” on the site — ahead of its March 18 debut, but that the taped segment would continue to be released in various formats, including X, on that date. He clarified that there were no “restrictions” on the conversation and argued that his questions were “respectful”.
Lemon also shared a video in which he slammed Musk for the billionaire's remarks absolutism of free speech and said their on-camera exchange was “tense at times.” He concluded by teasing the publication of the interview, asking why Musk was so upset. Musk, who had he announced excitedly bringing The Don Lemon Show in X in January, the journalist criticized on Wednesday. “His approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media,' which isn't working, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying,” he tweeted. “And, instead of being the real Don Lemon, he was really just [former CNN president] Jeff Zucker was speaking through Don, there was no lack of authenticity.”
Tech reporter Kara Swisher argued in a tweet — which Lemon reposted — that Musk had taken issue with some of the topics Lemon tried to cover in the debate, including the use of ketamine. (Executives and board members at Musk's various companies have occasionally expressed concern about his own drug dealing.) Swisher further claimed that X should “I spend,” according to Lemon's contract. A Lemon representative did not immediately respond to a request to confirm that information.
Lemon took the opportunity to mock Musk one more time when the Tesla and SpaceX CEO once again championed the importance of free speech, tweeting: “You canceled my contract after our interview. I don't think you believe in free speech.” He also responded to a statement from the X “Business” account noting that Lemon was free to share his show on the platform, but has “the right to make decisions about our business partnerships.” Lemon captured the entire mess: “Cleaning up Aisle X,” he posted.
Under Musk, X has sought to transform itself into a home for video creators and streamers — yesterday CEO Linda Yaccarino he tweeted that it is “becoming a first video platform”. After being fired from Fox News, Tucker Carlson began broadcasting interviews on his account, while X apparently made an effort to convince the very popular YouTuber MrBeast that his content would gain a bigger audience (and earn more revenue) on the site.
It's unclear whether Lemon, who was fired from CNN last year after 17 years (the network recently agreed to pay him $24.5 million in a separation agreement), will continue to upload episodes of it The Don Lemon Show on X after watching Musk's interview, or stick to YouTube and podcast formats from that point on. Either way, he seems happy to kick things off with a bit of controversy. “I can't wait to get started,” his statement concluded.
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