Former CNN anchor Don Lemon revealed yesterday that entrepreneur Elon Musk has decided to cancel a partnership between Lemon and the social media platform X. Lemon received the news just hours after taping an interview with Musk for the premiere episode of The Don Lemon Show on March 18.

In a statement, Lemon expressed his surprise and disappointment, saying, "We had a good conversation. Clearly he felt differently." Lemon also raised concerns about Musk's commitment to free speech, stating, "His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me."

Lemon's spokesperson, Allison Gollust, confirmed that Lemon intends to be paid for the canceled partnership and is willing to take legal action if necessary. Meanwhile, Musk claimed that the interview with Lemon lacked authenticity, suggesting that it was former CNN president Jeff Zucker speaking through Lemon. Musk also stated that Lemon and Zucker are welcome to build their viewership on X, along with everyone else.

This decision by Musk comes as a surprise, especially considering his self-proclaimed advocacy for the First Amendment and free speech rights. While Musk reinstated permanently suspended Twitter accounts, including former President Donald Trump's, he has shown less tolerance for free speech among his own employees on X, having banned or suspended several critics since taking over the company.

Despite the cancellation of the partnership, Lemon assured his audience that The Don Lemon Show will continue. The interview with Musk will still be published on various platforms, including YouTube, podcast platforms, and X itself.

X released a statement explaining its decision not to proceed with the commercial partnership, asserting that they reserve the right to make business decisions. Nevertheless, they reaffirmed their commitment to providing a platform without censorship, stating, "The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities."

It remains unclear what contractual arrangements were made between X and The Don Lemon Show, as well as the terms of any partnership. Lemon's show was announced in January, alongside programs hosted by former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and sports commentator Jim Rome. Lemon himself was fired from CNN last year following reports of mistreatment towards coworkers and making sexist on-air comments.

Elon Musk, his attorney, Alex Spiro, and Twitter have been approached for further comments on this matter, but no response has been received thus far.

Overall, this unexpected turn of events has drawn attention to the complex dynamics surrounding free speech and partnership decisions in the digital age.