**Key Takeaways:**
– Don Lemon, the former CNN host, openly criticized Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, during a CNN interview, questioning Musk’s dedication to free speech.
– Lemon revealed that Musk terminated a partnership with him on the platform X, attributing the decision to Musk’s dissatisfaction with a recent interview that hasn’t been fully released yet.
– Lemon suggested that the reason behind the cancellation of his show on X should be directly addressed to Elon Musk.
– Musk defended his decision to cut ties with Lemon’s X deal, criticizing Lemon’s approach as merely an extension of CNN’s presence on social media, which he deemed ineffective.
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In a candid interview on CNN Wednesday night, former CNN anchor Don Lemon expressed his concerns over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s commitment to free speech. Lemon disclosed that Musk had ended a collaborative project with him on the platform X, attributing the abrupt decision to Musk’s displeasure over a recent interview between the two, which is yet to be fully broadcasted.
During his appearance on his previous network, CNN, Lemon was questioned about Musk’s reasons for discontinuing his show on X. Lemon responded that this query would be best directed at Elon Musk himself. Musk, in turn, justified his action by criticizing Lemon’s method as essentially replicating CNN’s approach on social media, which, according to Musk, proved to be unsuccessful.
Lemon maintained that throughout his interaction with Musk, he remained respectful, even amidst moments of tension. He emphasized the importance of such discussions, especially in the current societal discourse, and expressed his belief in the necessity of a public square that is not dominated by individuals opposed to moderation on their platforms.
Despite the interview’s occasional strain, where Musk appeared uncomfortable and agitated, Lemon reiterated his commitment to free speech. He recalled telling Musk about his willingness to defend the right to express differing opinions, underscoring his understanding of free speech.
Musk later elaborated on his decision via a post on X, criticizing Lemon’s approach as merely an echo of CNN’s narrative on social media, which he found unauthentic and ineffective. Musk remarked that this strategy, which seemed more like Jeff Zucker speaking through Lemon, lacked genuineness. Nevertheless, Musk noted that Lemon and Zucker are welcome to build their audience on the platform, like anyone else.
This unfolding scenario between Don Lemon and Elon Musk highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining free speech and authenticity in the digital age, especially on platforms owned by influential figures in the tech industry.