In March, Don Lemon’s “premium” video hosting deal with X, the platform led by Elon Musk, was abruptly canceled. Following this decision, Lemon’s representative threatened legal action against Musk and X, arguing that Lemon was owed payment for work done under the agreement. Nearly five months after the cancellation, Lemon has initiated a lawsuit against Musk and X, seeking compensation he claims he never received.
According to the lawsuit filed by Lemon, he had reached an agreement with Musk in January to produce a news and interview show on X. The terms included an annual payment of $1.5 million and a share of advertising revenue from the premium content.
Lemon asserts that there was no formal contract signed because Musk allegedly assured him that no paperwork was needed and that Musk would support the show regardless of its content.
Lemon’s first episode featured an interview with Musk, during which he questioned Musk on a variety of controversial topics including alleged ketamine use, views on transgender issues, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Don Lemon
Additionally, Lemon confronted Musk about tweets that seemed to endorse the “great replacement theory,” a racist belief. Shortly after this interview, Musk notified Lemon via text that their deal was terminated.
In response to Lemon’s lawsuit, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, stated that the company was shifting focus to become a “video first” platform. She mentioned that similar deals had been made with other prominent figures, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, and sports commentator Jim Rome. Despite these agreements, many of the expected shows have yet to be launched on X.
The ongoing legal dispute highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in high-profile content deals in the digital media landscape. It also underscores the potential risks for both content creators and platforms when verbal agreements and informal arrangements replace formal contracts.
