**Key Takeaways:**
– Don Lemon announces the cancellation of his partnership with Elon Musk’s X following a controversial interview.
– Despite the setback, Lemon’s new streaming show will premiere as scheduled, featuring the interview with Musk.
– Musk and X initially supported Lemon’s venture, aiming to diversify voices on the platform.
– The decision to end the partnership came after Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the interview’s direction.
– Lemon remains committed to free speech and plans to continue his show on other platforms.
– X reaffirms its commitment to free speech but reserves the right to choose its business partnerships.
– Musk criticizes the interview’s approach, likening it to CNN’s style under Jeff Zucker.
– Lemon’s firing from CNN and the subsequent end of his partnership with X highlight ongoing debates about media, free speech, and platform responsibility.
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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon shared news on Wednesday that his partnership with Elon Musk’s X was terminated due to Musk’s displeasure over an unaired interview. Lemon disclosed this development through a video on social media, expressing his surprise and detailing the circumstances leading to Musk’s decision. Despite being let go from CNN previously, Lemon had secured a partnership with Musk’s X for his new streaming show, with Musk being the inaugural guest. The interview, which Lemon had already recorded, was set to debut on “The Don Lemon Show” next Monday.
In a statement on social media, Lemon revealed that Musk had initially encouraged him to bring his new show to X, promising full support and envisioning the platform as a “digital town square for all.” Lemon believed this partnership would ensure his work reached a broad audience. However, following the interview, which Lemon described as respectful and wide-ranging, Musk decided to cancel the partnership, suggesting the content did not align with his vision for the platform.
Despite the setback, Lemon announced that the interview would still be available on YouTube, podcast platforms, and X, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to free speech. He expressed disappointment in Musk retracting his support but remained excited about the future of his show.
X, through a spokesperson, stated that while the platform champions free speech and diverse voices, it reserves the right to select its business partnerships. The spokesperson clarified that “The Don Lemon Show” could still publish content on X without censorship.
Musk, in a message on X, critiqued the interview’s approach, comparing it unfavorably to CNN’s style under former president Jeff Zucker, suggesting a lack of authenticity. He maintained that both Lemon and Zucker were welcome to build their viewership on the platform alongside others.
This incident has sparked discussions on free speech, media authenticity, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in curating content and partnerships. Lemon’s determination to continue his show underscores the evolving landscape of media and the challenges faced by creators in maintaining their voice amidst corporate and platform pressures.