In a surprising turn of events, former CNN anchor Don Lemon announced on Wednesday that entrepreneur Elon Musk had abruptly terminated a deal to exclusively host Lemon's new talkshow on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lemon took to the platform to express his disappointment, revealing that Musk had cancelled the partnership shortly after they had filmed an interview for the show's debut episode.

Lemon shared a text message from Musk stating, "contract terminated," leaving Lemon puzzled and disheartened. Lemon expressed his belief that Musk's commitment to an open platform for discussions and sharing ideas did not extend to being questioned by individuals like him, as stated in his post on X.

Musk did not deny axing Lemon's show, taking to Twitter to share his perspective. "His approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media'," Musk tweeted, explaining that he believed this approach was flawed, highlighting CNN's decline. Musk also hinted that Lemon's authenticity may have been compromised, claiming that he was merely a mouthpiece for former CNN President Jeff Zucker. However, Musk invited Lemon and Zucker to build their viewership on X, asserting that everyone is welcome.

This sudden termination comes after Musk's company announced the talkshow deal with Lemon in January, aiming to expand X's video content and attract prominent hosts to the platform. The Don Lemon Show was set to air three 30-minute episodes per week. Lemon, once a marquee star at CNN, was fired by the network last April due to internal disputes with staff and a failed stint as a morning show host.

When Lemon announced his departure from CNN on X, Musk responded by asking if Lemon would consider doing his show on the platform, claiming that the X audience is larger than that of CNN. Musk has shown a willingness to host high-profile figures on X, as he previously hosted former Fox News host Tucker Carlson's show on the platform after Carlson's departure from the network.

In response to Musk's decision, Lemon stated in his post that he would still air the interview with Musk on YouTube and on X, emphasizing his dedication to free speech. Lemon expressed disappointment in Musk's actions, highlighting Musk's public encouragement for him to join X with a new show and his previous claim that the platform is open to diverse voices.

It remains to be seen how this sudden termination will impact both the prospects of Lemon's talkshow and X's plans to expand its video content. As Lemon stands firm in his commitment to free speech, the audience awaits the airing of the interview that sparked this unexpected turn of events.