Former CNN anchor Don Lemon stated on Wednesday he’s leaving Elon Musk’s X, a call made lower than a 12 months after X introduced that “The Don Lemon Show” would seem on the social media platform 3 times per week. That deal was canceled earlier than it was ever signed, and Lemon sued Musk and X over it again in August.
Lemon pointed to X’s up to date phrases of service, which kicks in on Friday and states that each one disputes with the corporate should be dealt with in a northern Texas court docket.
“As The Washington Post recently reported on X’s decision to change the terms, this ‘ensures that such lawsuits will be heard in courthouses that are a hub for conservatives, which experts say could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics,’” stated Lemon in an announcement posted on X. “I think that speaks for itself,” he continued.
Earlier this 12 months, X introduced a number of video content material partnerships with massive names like former congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, sports activities commentator Jim Rome, and — most surprisingly — Don Lemon. It was a part of a broader video push on X that also hasn’t fairly panned out, roughly a 12 months later. Lemon stated on the time that he resonated with the free speech message that Musk was pushing.
Contract negotiations between X and Lemon fell aside earlier than a deal was ever solidified. In the midst of negotiations, Lemon interviewed Musk to be the primary visitor on his new present, which was slated to seem on X, but additionally on YouTube and different platforms as a part of the deal — it was by no means an unique partnership. Musk grew to become visibly uncomfortable and upset throughout that interview, as Lemon prodded the billionaire about his reported ketamine utilization, his opinions on DEI, and X’s content material moderation.
“Don … Choose your questions carefully, you’ve got 5 minutes left,” stated Musk at one level within the interview.
Shortly after that interview, Musk canceled the cope with Lemon. Semafor reported that Musk texted Lemon’s agent with the temporary, however harsh message: “contract is canceled.”
From there, issues solely acquired worse. In August, Lemon filed a lawsuit in a federal court docket in opposition to Musk and X claiming he was tricked right into a enterprise association beneath false pretenses. In September, Musk requested a federal decide to dismiss the lawsuit, however the case seems to be ongoing.
