Don Lemon revealed to Instagram followers that his new show on X has already been canceled by Elon Musk. Don Lemon’s show would premiere on the social media platform in the coming days.
CNN apparently took some joy from the development. They reported that Lemon’s collaboration with Musk “went up in flames” just “hours” after an interview between the two was taped for the debut episode.
In the video, Lemon suggests that the interview itself triggered the shocking move to quit his show and took a swipe at Musk for being a supporter of free speech.
“During our conversation I kept telling him that even though he was tense at times, I thought it was good for people to see our exchange,” Lemon said.
“But apparently free speech absolutism doesn’t apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me.”
RELATED: Don Lemon to launch new show on Twitter/X
That’s why Don Lemon was fired… Again
The Political Insider reported in early January that Musk had announced that Don Lemon would produce exclusive content for
In a statement at the time, Lemon praised the platform for its free speech stance and embraced it as the premier social media company that enables debate on both sides of the political spectrum.
He called X “the largest space for free speech in the world” and sought “a place for honest debate and discussion.”
X and Elon Musk, however, say Don Lemon was not interested in an honest debate during the interview.
A statement from X Business underlines that the decision does not imply censorship of the left-wing pundit.
X is a platform that supports free speech, and we are proud to provide an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is invited to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing creators a platform to expand their work…
Musk himself provided further details about the controversial interview and what prompted him to leave Lemon.
“His approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media,’ which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying,” Musk joked.
“And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was actually just (former CNN president) Jeff Zucker speaking through Don, so it lacked authenticity.”
Musk added: “That said, Lemon/Zucker are obviously welcome to build their audience on this platform along with everyone else.”
His approach was basically “CNN, but on social media,” which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.
And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was actually just Jeff Zucker speaking through Don, so it lacked authenticity.
While X claims no business partnership was ever entered into, Lemon disagrees.
“Don has an agreement with X and expects to be paid for it,” a spokesperson told CNN. “If we have to go to court, we will.”
Lemon will still be free to make senseless comments about X without fear of being punished for exercising free speech. But it appears he won’t get paid for those comments.
