Former CNN host Don Lemon criticized Tesla CEO Elon Musk and questioned his commitment to free speech in an interview on CNN Wednesday night.
Lemon announced Wednesday that Musk had canceled its partnership with LemonX after the billionaire was furious over a recent interview that has not yet aired in full.
When asked to explain why Musk allegedly canceled his show on X during an appearance on his former network CNN, Lemon said it was a “good question for Elon Musk.” ” he said.
Elon Musk defends Don Lemon’s scrapping of the X deal: His approach is ‘CNN but with social media’ and ‘ineffective’
Former CNN host Don Lemon attacked Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an interview on CNN Wednesday night, claiming his commitment to free speech is a sham. (Getty Images)
“I don’t know,” Lemon told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “As I said in my statement, the interview was really good. I said to him as we were doing the interview. There were some tense moments, but I told him you’ve been in a tense interview. “I think it’s good for people like you and me with different worldviews to come together and see that there is freedom of speech, as he says.”
“Freedom of speech is only important when you are allowed to speak freely and express your opinion against people you dislike, who do not share your views. “It’s possible,” Lemon said. “Apparently, it doesn’t seem to matter to Elon Musk. Maybe it’s because of talking points or rhetoric for him. Because when you get asked about him by people like me, it doesn’t seem to matter. That’s why.”
Elon Musk retaliates in interview after losing Don Lemon to X: Claims he’s ‘mad at me’
Lemon also maintained that his conduct during the interview with Musk was respectful. (Screenshot from CNN)
Lemon also maintained that his conduct during the interview with Musk was respectful.
“During the interview, I never raised my voice,” Lemon said. “I said to him, ‘I think this is important for people to hear, especially given the type of discussion that’s going on in this country right now.’ And he said, ‘This is all about It seems like we’re saying it’s a public square for people. Perhaps we shouldn’t have a public square privately owned by someone who doesn’t think their platform needs any moderation. Maybe we are learning something.”
Lemon reiterated that the interview was “tense” at times and said Musk became “agitated and uncomfortable” during the conversation.
“You and I don’t agree. You and I disagree on a lot of things, but I’ll fight for your right to say what you want to say,” Lemon said while recounting his conversation with Musk. . “That’s what free speech means to me.”
In a post on X, Musk explained the decision:[Lemon’s] As evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying, this approach is basically just ‘CNN but on social media’ and it doesn’t work. Jeff Zucker just kept talking.” Don, that was so unbelievable. With that said, Lemon/Zucker, along with everyone else, is welcome to grow their audience on this platform. ”
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FOX News’ Brian Flood, Joseph A. Wolfthorne and David Rutz contributed to this report.
