Former CNN anchor Don Lemon stated on Wednesday he’s leaving Elon Musk’s X, a choice made lower than a 12 months after X introduced that “The Don Lemon Present” 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 have to be dealt with in a Northern Texas courtroom.
“Because the Washington Publish lately reported on X’s determination to vary the phrases, this ‘ensures that such lawsuits will probably be heard in courthouses which are a hub for conservatives, which specialists say might make it simpler for X to defend itself from litigation and punish critics,’” stated Lemon in a assertion posted on X. “I feel that speaks for itself,” he continued.
Earlier this 12 months, X introduced a number of video content material partnership with huge 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. Within 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 turned 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… Select your questions fastidiously, you’ve obtained 5 minutes left,” stated Musk at one level within the interview.
Shortly after that interview, Musk cancelled 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 obtained worse. In August, Lemon filed a lawsuit in a federal courtroom in opposition to Musk and X claiming he was tricked right into a enterprise association below false pretenses. In September, Musk requested a federal decide to dismiss the lawsuit, however the case seems to be ongoing.
