The termination came shortly after Lemon conducted an interview with Musk, the platform's contentious owner, as part of the promotional activities for his upcoming show.
Lemon shared the news via a statement on his X account on Wednesday, revealing that Musk was dissatisfied with the nature of their conversation. "Musk informed me that our deal with the platform was ending just hours after we recorded the interview," Lemon stated.
In a subsequent video, Lemon promised to disclose more details about the incident in the coming days. He acknowledged the mixed reactions from his followers, saying, "I know that many of you were not happy that I was doing this in the first place."
WATCH TRUMP: EUROPE HAS OPENED IT'S DOORS TO JIHAD
Lemon explained his initial decision to collaborate with X, citing his belief in free speech and the platform's potential to maximize the reach of his work. Despite the abrupt termination of his contract, Lemon intends to release the interview on YouTube and X this Monday.
WATCH DUKE PROFESSOR: STUDENTS VIEWING THE WORLD AS OPPRESSOR VS. OPPRESSED
March 14, 2024
Lemon's departure from CNN last spring followed a series of controversies, including his disparaging remarks about former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. His comments, which were widely criticized as sexist, described Haley as "not in her prime."
KEVIN SPACEY'S DARK SECRETS EXPOSED IN NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Lemon's venture into new media platforms mirrors a recent trend among news veterans. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson launched a show on X last year, and MSNBC pundit Mehdi Hasan announced plans to establish his own media brand earlier this year.
IDIOT ALERT: CEO PRAISES RADICAL PROTESTERS, FACES IMMEDIATE BACKLASH
X responded to the situation with a statement on Wednesday, affirming Lemon's right to publish content on the platform without censorship. "We believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities," the company stated. However, it clarified that the decision to terminate the commercial partnership with Lemon's show was made after careful consideration.
BIDEN AND MARK HAMILL'S "STAR WARS DAY" VIDEO: A GALACTIC SUCCESS OR EPIC FAIL?
Musk offered a more critical perspective, expressing dissatisfaction with Lemon's approach. "His approach was basically just 'CNN, but on social media', which doesn't work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying," Musk stated. He further criticized Lemon for lacking authenticity, suggesting that he was merely a mouthpiece for Jeff Zucker, CNN's longtime chief executive.
TUBERCULOSIS OUTBREAK: HEALTH EMERGENCY DECLARED IN CALIFORNIA, ARE YOU AT RISK?
ELITE UNIVERSITIES FACE A NEW CRISIS: OUTRAGED PARENTS
OBAMA PROMISED THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN, YET HERE WE GO!
Despite his criticisms, Musk extended an invitation to Lemon and Zucker to build their viewership on the platform. "Lemon/Zucker are of course welcome to build their viewership on this platform along with everyone else," Musk concluded.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
