Elon Musk ended its partnership with former CNN anchor Dom Limão after a “tense” interview.
According to CNNJust hours after Lemon conducted an interview last week with the billionaire for the premiere episode of his new digital show, Musk hung up.
Don said Musk didn’t like certain questions “coming from people like me.”
RELATED: Don Lemon was fired from CNN after 17 years when Tucker Carlson left Fox News
Here’s what Don Lemon said happened to his show
Lemon shared that Musk initially stated he would support him and his unique perspectives. But things changed quickly after the conversation. The 58-year-old’s line of interrogation would have been the motive.
“Elon publicly encouraged me to join X on a new show, saying I would have his ‘full support,’” Don said.
Additionally, the host shared that the Space X co-founder stated he was “interested in working directly with diverse voices.”
Musk has agreed to be his first guest on ‘The Don Lemon Show,’ which launches Monday on social media platforms and YouTube. Additionally, Lemon plans to promote the show on X, despite the controversy.
The journalist described the interview as “respectful and comprehensive”. Don Lemon added that “there were no restrictions on the interview which (Elon) willingly agreed to.” But the meeting did not go as planned.
Lemon says Elon is not a free speech absolutist
Don said Elon seemed passionate about creating platforms where all citizens could exercise their right to free speech. However, this mentality, Lemon says, may be limited to people who look a certain way.
“Your commitment to a global marketplace where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions asked by people like me.”
Don took to Instagram on March 13 to challenge Musk’s claim to be a “free speech absolutist.” For context, this means he thinks everyone should have the right to express themselves, whether they agree with the individual or not.
“Throughout our conversation, I kept reiterating to him that even though it was tense at times, I thought it was good for people to see our conversation,” Don said.
He continued, “But apparently the absolutism of free speech doesn’t apply when it comes to questions about him from people like me.”
A source said CNN Elon is surprised because Don asked about his use of the drug ketamine, anti-Semitism, and his government security clearance.
X releases a statement in defense of Musk
X, formerly known as Twitter, defended its president and defended Don Lemon’s right to unofficially share his content on the platform.
“The ‘Don Lemon Show’ can publish its content on X, uncensored, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities,” the statement read, per CNN. “However, like any company, we reserve the right to make decisions about our commercial partnerships and, after careful consideration, X has decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the fair.”
Show business aside, Don Lemon recently left his former employer, CNN. After he was fired last year, the network reportedly agreed to shell out major coins to settle Lemon’s contract. He reportedly received $24.5 million.
RELATED: Don Lemon Will Reportedly Raise Millions From CNN To Settle His Termination