Elon Musk has ended his partnership with former CNN anchor Don Lemon after a “tense” interview.
In response to CNN, just hours after Lemon conducted an interview last week with the billionaire for the premiere episode of his latest digital show, Musk pulled the plug.
Don said Musk didn’t like certain questions “from people like me.”
RELATED: Don Lemon Fired From CNN After 17 Years As Tucker Carlson Departs From Fox News
Here’s What Don Lemon Said Happened To His Show
Lemon shared that Musk initially stated he would back him and his unique perspectives. But things modified quickly after their chat. The 58-year-old’s line of questioning was reportedly the explanation.
“Elon publicly encouraged me to hitch X with a brand new show, saying I’d have his ‘full support,” Don said.
As well as, the host shared that the Space X co-founder claimed he was “concerned about working directly with diverse voices.”
Musk agreed to be his first guest on ‘The Don Lemon Show,’ which is ready to be released Monday on social media platforms and YouTube. Moreover, Lemon plans to advertise the show on X despite the controversy.
The journalist described the interview as “respectful and wide-ranging.” Don Lemon added that there have been “no restrictions on the interview that [Elon] willingly agreed to.” However the sit-down didn’t pan out in line with plan.
Lemon Says Elon Isn’t a Free Speech Absolutist
Don stated that Elon seemed keen about creating platforms where all residents can exercise their right to free speech. Nonetheless, that mindset, Lemon claims, could also be limited to individuals who look a certain way.
“His commitment to a worldwide town square where all questions may be asked and all ideas may be shared seems not to incorporate questions of him from people like me.”
Don took to Instagram on March 13 to challenge Musk’s claim to be a “free speech absolutist.” For context, which means he feels everyone must have the precise to precise themselves, whether you agree with the person or not.
“Throughout our conversation, I kept reiterating to him, even though it was tense at times, I believed it was good for people to see our exchange,” Don said.
He continued, “But apparently, free speech absolutism doesn’t apply in the case of questions on him from people like me.”
A source told CNN Elon is salty that Don inquired about his use of the drug ketamine, antisemitism, and his government security clearance.
X Releases A Statement In Musk’s Defense
X, formerly often known as Twitter, defended its chairman and championed Don Lemon’s right to unofficially share his content on the platform.
“The ‘Don Lemon Show’ is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we consider in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with latest communities,” the statement read, per CNN. “Nonetheless, like several enterprise, we reserve the precise to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided to not enter right into a industrial partnership with the show.”
Show business aside, Don Lemon recently got here up off of his former employer, CNN. After he was fired last 12 months, the network reportedly agreed to cough up major coins to settle Lemon’s contract. He was reportedly awarded $24.5 million.
