Don Lemon: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images Staff Elon Musk: Future Publishing / Contributor to Getty Images
Elon Musk has ended his partnership with former CNN anchor Don Lemon after a “tense” interview.
According to CNN, just hours after Lemon conducted an interview last week with the billionaire for the premiere episode of his new digital show, Musk pulled the plug.
Don said Musk didn’t like certain questions “from people like me.”
Lemon shared that Musk initially stated he would back him and his unique perspectives. But things changed quickly after their chat. The 58-year-old’s line of questioning was reportedly the reason.
“Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, saying I would have his ‘full support,” Don said.
In addition, the host shared that the Space X co-founder claimed he was “interested in working directly with diverse voices.”
Musk agreed to be his first guest on ‘The Don Lemon Show,’ which is set to be released Monday on social media platforms and YouTube. Additionally, Lemon plans to promote the show on X despite the controversy.
The journalist described the interview as “respectful and wide-ranging.” Don Lemon added that there were “no restrictions on the interview that [Elon] willingly agreed to.” But the sit-down didn’t pan out according to plan.
Don stated that Elon seemed passionate about creating platforms where all citizens can exercise their right to free speech. However, that mindset, Lemon claims, may be limited to people who look a certain way.
“His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include 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, that means he feels everyone should have the right to express themselves, whether you agree with the individual or not.
“Throughout our conversation, I kept reiterating to him, although it was tense at times, I thought it was good for people to see our exchange,” Don said.
He continued, “But apparently, free speech absolutism doesn’t apply when it comes to questions about 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, formerly 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 believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities,” the statement read, per CNN. “However, like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”
Show business aside, Don Lemon recently came up off of his former employer, CNN. After he was fired last year, the network reportedly agreed to cough up major coins to settle Lemon’s contract. He was reportedly awarded $24.5 million.
