Elon Musk Cancels Don Lemon’s Talk Show on X Amidst Free Speech Controversies
Bollywoodfever, March 13: On Wednesday, Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, disclosed that Elon Musk had unexpectedly ended an agreement to exclusively feature Lemon’s new talk show on X, previously known as Twitter.
Lemon shared on the platform that Musk terminated their deal shortly after they recorded an interview intended for the premiere episode of the show.
According to Lemon, Musk sent him a message stating, “contract terminated.”
Lemon expressed disappointment in his post, noting, “It appears Musk’s vision for a global town square, where every question is welcome and every idea can be expressed, doesn’t extend to inquiries directed at him, especially from individuals like myself.”
Musk confirmed he cancelled Lemon’s show, critiquing it on Twitter as essentially being “CNN on social media,” a concept he believes is doomed to fail, as shown by CNN’s struggles. Musk commented on the lack of authenticity in the show, suggesting it felt more like former CNN president Jeff Zucker speaking through Lemon. Nonetheless, Musk mentioned that Lemon and Zucker are free to grow their audience on X like anyone else, aligning with his self-description as a “free speech absolutist.”
Despite the cancellation, Lemon vowed to broadcast the interview with Musk on both YouTube and X, signaling his ongoing commitment to free speech, despite Musk’s retraction.
Musk’s company had initially revealed the partnership with Lemon in January, aiming to delve deeper into video content and attract renowned hosts to X. The Don Lemon Show was slated for three 30-minute episodes each week. Lemon’s departure from CNN last April came as a shock, following internal conflicts and an unsuccessful stint as a morning show host.
Upon Lemon’s announcement of leaving CNN via an X post, Musk encouraged him to consider hosting his show on the platform, highlighting a larger audience and pledging full support for diverse voices.
However, Musk has faced challenges in drawing significant talent to X, despite efforts to shift the platform towards video content and encourage influencers like YouTuber Mr Beast to share their work there. Additionally, Musk recently unveiled a long-form video streaming app for smart TVs, part of a broader strategy to revive the platform’s declining ad revenues. This move comes amid a backdrop of decreased advertising on X and concerns over an increase in extremist content since Musk’s acquisition.
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