Key Takeaways:
– Elon Musk terminated the partnership with “The Don Lemon Show” on his platform X, previously known as Twitter, despite having recorded an episode that was not yet broadcasted.
– Musk, who claims to be a “free speech absolutist,” stated the show could still publish its content on X without censorship, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to allowing creators to share their work and reach new audiences.
– Don Lemon announced he would release his interview with Musk on YouTube and via podcast, expressing that their conversation, though tense, was valuable for public discourse.
– The interview highlighted Musk’s dismissive response to questions about content moderation and hate speech on X, particularly concerning the “great replacement theory.”
– X had previously announced a content partnership with Lemon, aiming to enhance its offerings and attract advertisers with shows covering various topics.
In a surprising move, Elon Musk decided to pull the plug on “The Don Lemon Show” on his social media platform X, after an interview with the tech mogul was recorded for the show’s yet-to-be-aired debut episode. Musk, the owner of X and self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” made it clear through a post on X that, after thorough deliberation, the company chose not to proceed with a commercial partnership with Lemon’s show. However, he reassured that the show’s content could still be shared on X without any censorship, underlining the platform’s dedication to enabling creators to expand their reach and engage with new audiences.
Don Lemon took to X to share his thoughts, revealing, “Elon Musk is mad at me,” and announced his plans to broadcast the interview with the Tesla CEO on YouTube and through a podcast. Lemon hinted at Musk’s displeasure without delving into specifics but emphasized the importance of their dialogue, despite its occasional tension, for public viewing and learning.
Lemon’s remarks hinted at a contradiction in Musk’s stance on free speech, suggesting that Musk’s absolutism does not extend to inquiries about him from individuals like Lemon. This was further illustrated during a CNN segment where Erin Burnett showcased parts of Lemon’s interview with Musk, revealing the latter’s irritation when confronted with questions about his and his platform’s responsibility in moderating hate speech, specifically referencing the controversial “great replacement theory.”
Musk’s retorts in the interview underscored his indifference to criticism and his belief that his participation was solely because Lemon was a user of the X platform and had requested the interview. Earlier in January, X had announced a “new content partnership” with Lemon, planning to air 30-minute episodes thrice weekly on a variety of topics, as part of its strategy to boost content diversity and attract advertisers. This partnership was also meant to feature shows by other notable personalities, including Tulsi Gabbard and Jim Rome.
Following his departure from CNN after a 17-year tenure, which ended shortly after he made controversial remarks about Nikki Haley, Lemon had hinted at his future plans, which included relaxation and possibly “Sitting on the Beach,” as per his statement in a Time interview. This move by Musk to cancel the show adds another layer to the evolving narrative of content moderation, free speech, and the responsibilities of social media platforms and their owners.