By DAVID HAMILTON (AP Business Writer)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Billionaire Elon Musk suddenly scrapped “The Don Lemon Show” on his social media platform X after the ex-CNN anchor recorded an interview with him for its yet-to-be-aired inaugural episode.
Musk is the owner of X, previously known as Twitter, and frequently asserts himself as a “free speech absolutist.” In a post on X, the San Francisco-based company stated that after careful thought, they “chose not to engage in a commercial partnership with the show.” They also mentioned that Lemon’s show “is free to publish its content on X, without any censorship, as they believe in offering a platform for creators to expand their work and connect with new communities.”
In a video shared on X, Lemon stated that “Elon Musk is upset with me” and mentioned that he will release his interview with the Tesla CEO on YouTube and through a podcast on Monday.
Lemon didn’t delve into the specifics of Musk’s purported displeasure, but wrote, “Throughout our conversation, I repeatedly emphasized to him that despite the tense moments, I believed it was important for people to witness and hear our interaction, and that they would benefit from it.”
“But evidently, Musk’s commitment to free speech doesn’t extend to inquiries about him from people like me,” Lemon included.
X had announced in January a “new content partnership” with Lemon for the show, stating that it would release 30 minute episodes three times a week covering topics such as politics, culture, sports, and entertainment. This agreement was part of the platform's efforts to enhance its content offerings and attract advertisers. X also revealed shows hosted by former member of Congress Tulsi Gabbard and sports radio host Jim Rome.
Lemon was dismissed by CNN last year following a 17-year stint with the network. His departure occurred just over two months after he apologized for on-air remarks about then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley not being in “her prime” that he made during his brief tenure as a morning show host.
