Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has denied any wrongdoing following the cancellation of his talk show deal with X, owned by Elon Musk. Lemon claims he was simply "doing his job" and that Musk's decision was politically motivated.
Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor whose talk show deal with X was recently terminated by owner Elon Musk, has defended his conduct, insisting that he did nothing wrong. Speaking on "The View," Lemon maintained that he was simply "doing his job" and that Musk's decision to cancel the partnership was politically motivated.
"I was doing my job as a journalist," Lemon said. "I was asking tough questions." Lemon's comments come after Musk canceled a deal to distribute Lemon's new talk show on X, citing Lemon's "repeated attacks" on him.
Don Lemon Defends His Role in X Deal Cancellation, Insists He Did His Job
Lemon, a vocal critic of Musk, has accused the billionaire of being a "dictator" and a "threat to democracy." Lemon's criticism intensified after Musk acquired Twitter, with Lemon accusing Musk of "silencing dissent" and "endangering the free speech rights of Americans."
Musk, on the other hand, has accused Lemon of being biased and partisan. In a series of tweets, Musk called Lemon a "hack" and a "tool of the corporate media."
Don Lemon Defends His Role in X Deal Cancellation, Insists He Did His Job
Lemon's departure from CNN last year was also controversial. After 17 years with the network, Lemon was fired by then-CNN CEO Chris Licht for a series of gaffes and scandals. Among other things, Lemon was criticized for calling Nikki Haley "past her prime" and for suggesting that former President Donald Trump was a "skinhead."
Lemon has since launched his own production company and has been posting pro-Joe Biden and Kamala Harris messages on social media. He has also been vocal in his criticism of Fox News, calling the network a "propaganda machine" and a "threat to democracy."
Don Lemon Defends His Role in X Deal Cancellation, Insists He Did His Job
Musk's decision to cancel Lemon's talk show has been met with mixed reactions. Some have defended Musk's right to do business with whom he chooses, while others have accused him of censorship.
Lemon's own comments suggest that he believes Musk's decision was motivated by Lemon's political views. However, Musk has not publicly stated his reasons for canceling the deal.
The cancellation of Lemon's talk show raises questions about the limits of free speech and the role of media in a democracy. It also highlights the growing divide between traditional media and new media, with X representing a new era of media that is less beholden to traditional norms and values.
