The feud between former CNN anchor Don Lemon and Elon Musk continued through the weekend before the first episode of “The Don Lemon Show” dropped on Monday, March 18. Following Lemon’s interview with Musk, Musk promptly canceled an X partnership with the show.
In contract negotiations, the New York Post reported that Lemon had several asks, including:
- A free Tesla Cybertruck.
- $5 million up front in addition to an $8 million salary.
- An equity stake in X.
- The right to approve any changes in X policy as it relates to news content.
However, a spokesperson for Lemon contends that none of those requests are true.
The exchange over the spoiled partnership took place on Musk’s platform.
While Musk and X argue the canceled deal was just business, Lemon said the move goes against free speech on the platform.
In the interview, the Lemon and Musk discuss controversial issues ranging from from hate speech and Musk’s voting plans to his use of ketamine.
While there’s no business contract, “The Don Lemon Show” is still posted on X and other platforms.
Both X and Lemon’s spokesperson said there was no signed contract between the two sides. However, a spokesperson for Lemon told CNN that “contracts don’t necessarily have to be signed to be legally binding” and Lemon expects to be compensated, even if they have to go to court.
