Former CNN host Don Lemon claims his X show was canceled by Elon Musk after the billionaire sat down for an interview.
Lemon claimed he found out the collaboration was over just hours after their sit-down, the first episode of his new series “The Don Lemon Show.”
‘We had a good conversation. He clearly thought differently,” Lemon said in a scathing statement, saying he had entered into an agreement to stream all of his shows on Musk’s platform before the rug was pulled.
“His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas shared does not seem to include questions from people like me.”
Don Lemon revealed Wednesday that his new X show has been canned by Elon Musk after the billionaire became ‘so upset’ by their unreleased interview
Lemon said that even though the show has been canceled, he will still air the interview with Musk, which covered a wide range of topics “from SpaceX to the presidential election.”
“This will be just the first of many episodes of The Don Lemon Show,” he added. The interview will be broadcast on YouTube on March 18.
“While Elon goes back on his word, I will redouble my commitment to freedom of expression and I can’t wait to get started.”
The former CNN host was ousted from the network in April 2023 after 17 years with the company after sparking backlash with a number of controversial comments, including branding Nikki Haley “past her prime.”
He also faced accusations from female colleagues who claimed he had a history of misogynistic behavior, which he denied.
After releasing his statement, Lemon went to X to release a video of himself walking around New York, claiming Musk was “so angry” about their interview.
“This doesn’t change anything about the show except my relationship with Elon and X,” he said.
“I know many of you weren’t happy with me doing this in the first place, and you told me so.
“I just want you to know that I made this deal because I not only believe in freedom of speech, but because I believed this was my best possible opportunity to reach the largest number of people possible with the work I do .’
Lemon said he sat down with Musk to try to share insights about the billionaire and learn more about him, including why he bought Twitter and promised to turn it into a First Amendment “town square.”
“But apparently the absolutism of free speech doesn’t apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me,” Lemon said.
The journalist declined to say exactly what it was about their interview that angered the billionaire, telling viewers to tune in next week to find out.