Fact Checking

Don Lemon’s Contract with X Terminated by Elon Musk

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Don Lemon, in a return to CNN, discussed the recent termination of his contract with X (formerly Twitter) to host a new show initiated by Elon Musk. Lemon clarified that Musk never held editorial control over the show, describing X solely as a distribution partner. He shared clips from his yet-to-be-published interview with Musk, set for release on YouTube and X next Monday, highlighting conversations including Musk’s encounter with former President Trump.

During the interview, Musk downplayed his meeting with Trump, emphasizing that it was a casual encounter and denied any discussions of financial assistance for Trump’s campaign or legal bills. This exchange was part of the broader interview recorded shortly before Musk informed Lemon of the show’s cancellation, a decision made despite the absence of a signed contract for “The Don Lemon Show.”

Lemon, reflecting on his interview with Musk on CNN’s Erin Burnett show, stressed the importance of the dialogue for public consumption and questioned the concept of a privately owned public square. He critiqued the premise of Musk’s decision, implying a disconnect between Musk’s vision for X as a universal platform and the action taken against Lemon’s show.

Elon Musk, in a statement, criticized Lemon’s approach during the interview, suggesting it lacked authenticity and echoed the influence of CNN’s former chief executive, Jeff Zucker, rather than presenting Lemon’s genuine perspective.

Musk, while critical of Lemon’s interview style, maintained that Lemon and others are free to build their viewership on X.