Elon Musk defends cutting Don Lemon's X deal: His approach was 'CNN, but on social media' which 'doesn’t work'

Elon Musk, the owner, is defending his decision to cancel his platform's partnership with Don Lemon, stating that the former anchor was approaching his forthcoming show as "CNN, but on social media."

On Wednesday, Lemon announced on social media that Musk had terminated their contract, claiming that the billionaire tech entrepreneur was furious with him over the interview Lemon conducted on Friday.

When asked about why he cut Lemon, Musk stated that Lemon's CNN "approach" was not effective.

"Musk stated on Wednesday that his approach was similar to CNN on social media, which is not effective, as seen by CNN's decline. He also pointed out that it lacked authenticity because it was not the real Don Lemon, but rather Jeff Zucker speaking through him. Despite this, Lemon and Zucker are welcome to increase their viewership on the platform, along with everyone else."

Lemon's spokesperson issued a legal threat against X, stating that Don has a deal with X and expects payment. If court action is necessary, they will proceed.

In January, X revealed that it had struck a deal with Lemon and other talent to create content on the platform.

On Wednesday, Lemon's interview with Musk on "The Don Lemon Show" was abruptly halted.

Elon Musk has ended his partnership with X, which he had previously announced as a way to amplify more diverse voices on their platform. He informed me of his decision just hours after I interviewed him on Friday.

Elon publicly encouraged me to join X with a new show, stating that he would provide me with his full support and that his digital town square was for all. He and his team pursued the deal in numerous conversations and made significant commitments about the support X would provide for the show. I decided to work with them in a unique partnership that I believed would ultimately ensure that my work would be available to most people, in the largest possible venue. I took Elon and his management's team's word that they were interested in working directly with new and diverse voices.

"The interview was unrestricted, and my questions were respectful and comprehensive, covering topics from SpaceX to the presidential election. We had a productive conversation. However, it appeared that his dedication to a global platform for questioning and idea sharing did not extend to questions directed at him from individuals like me."

On March 18, Lemon's interview with Musk will be shared on X, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

An X spokesperson stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that X is a platform that supports free speech and provides an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X without censorship, as X believes in providing a platform for creators to expand their reach and connect with new audiences. However, like any business, X reserves the right to make decisions about its partnerships, and after careful consideration, the company decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.

X's statement was met with a swipe from Lemon, who wrote "Clean up on aisle X."

He directly confronted Musk, who had previously stated that "Free speech is the foundation of democracy."

Lemon informed Musk that he believed the reason for the cancellation of his contract was due to a lack of faith in the concept of free speech.

Last year, CNN fired Lemon, who was later let go from his position as CEO.