In an unexpected turn of events, Elon Musk has terminated the forthcoming “The Don Lemon Show” on his digital platform X, previously recognized as Twitter. Musk, the proprietor of X and self-described advocate for unrestricted speech, made the decision public through a message on the platform. The San Francisco-based enterprise elaborated that after thorough deliberation, it opted not to pursue a commercial alliance with Lemon’s program. However, it emphasized that the show is free to share its content on X, underscoring the company’s commitment to empowering creators to expand their reach and engage with new audiences.
Don Lemon took to X, revealing that Musk was displeased with him and announced plans to broadcast his interview with the tech mogul on YouTube and through a podcast. Lemon refrained from detailing the reasons behind Musk’s discontent but mentioned that despite the tension during their dialogue, he believed it was beneficial for the audience to witness their exchange.
Lemon critiqued Musk’s stance on free speech, suggesting that the billionaire’s commitment wavers when faced with personal scrutiny. This was further highlighted during a CNN segment where Erin Burnett showcased parts of Lemon’s interview with Musk. The conversation grew tense when Lemon questioned Musk’s responsibility in moderating hate speech on X, specifically referencing the controversial “great replacement theory.”
Musk’s responses were dismissive, indicating his indifference to criticism and asserting that his participation in the interview was solely because Lemon was a user of X and had requested it. This interaction sheds light on the broader challenges and criticisms Musk faces regarding content moderation on his platform.
Earlier in January, X had announced a new content partnership with Lemon, planning to air 30-minute episodes covering a wide range of topics. This collaboration was part of X’s strategy to enhance its content offerings and attract advertisers. The platform also revealed upcoming shows with notable personalities like Tulsi Gabbard and Jim Rome.
Lemon’s departure from CNN last year marked the end of his 17-year tenure with the network, following controversial remarks about Nikki Haley. His move to X was seen as a fresh start, but this recent development raises questions about the platform’s direction and its commitment to free speech principles.