Don Lemon Accuses Elon Musk Of Exploiting His Name In Lawsuit Over Cancelled X Show

Don Lemon is ready to make Elon Musk and his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) pay for breaching their contract.

The former CNN news anchor was set to launch the "Don Lemon Show" on X and actively promoted the gig as his return to the spotlight. However, the Tesla CEO backed out of their agreement at the last minute.

Don Lemon is firing back against Elon Musk and X with a breach of contract and misappropriation lawsuit, claiming reputational damage.

Lemon filed his case against Musk and his social platform X in a San Francisco court on Thursday. He painted a picture of exploitation, fraud, and selfishness on the defendants' part, arguing they used him to promote their platform.

"This case is straightforward. X executives used Don to prop up their advertising sales pitch, then canceled their partnership and dragged Don's name through the mud," Lemon's attorney Carney Shegerian said, adding:

"You don't have to be a genius to see the fraud, negligence, and reputational damage here."

Lemon's legal rep, per The Hollywood Reporter, concluded, "Don is an accomplished and hard-hitting journalist who's committed to defending his good name and holding X's executives accountable. We look forward to our day in court."

The court filing accused Musk and X executives CEO Linda Yaccarino and head of content Brett Weitz of pressuring Lemon into the deal. He was told to sign a contract with them so that his show could be used in a presentation to advertisers.

Lemon claimed he was concerned about partnering with X, but the defendants convinced him to join them. X allegedly agreed to pay him a minimum of $1.5 million for the one-year deal, among other benefits.

These promises included 60% of gross advertising revenue, performance payments based on the number of followers Lemon's show received, a cut of revenue from the creators Lemon referred to as X, and $500,000 in advertising credits on the platform.

According to Lemon's lawsuit, Musk and the other defendants suddenly changed the contract's terms after he agreed to the exclusive partnership deal on or around January 8, 2024. The filing claimed:

"Defendants informed Lemon that the terms of their offer would be withdrawn unless he attended the CES Conference in Las Vegas."

"And that Lemon make a social media post announcing their partnership to the public on the same day," the complaint alleged, claiming the CNN alum was also pressured to give a speech praising X in front of advertisers.

Despite satisfying their demands, Lemon's lawsuit claimed they refused to honor their verbal deal because there was no signed agreement. The filing read:

"Musk previously representing to Lemon that there would be no need for a formal written agreement or to 'fill out paperwork.'"

Earlier this year, The Blast reported that Lemon had called out Musk for the sudden cancelation of his show on X. He announced their falling out on the platform with a lengthy statement bashing the billionaire.

Lemon explained that Musk encouraged him to join X with a news show, pledging his "full support" and claiming his platform was a "digital town square" for all. The show's debut episode even featured an interview with the business mogul.

The TV personality noted they "had a good conversation," as his questions were "respectful and wide-ranging." However, it seemed Musk's "commitment to a global town square" did not include him.

While promoting the "Don Lemon Show," the former CNN news anchor noted it would air on X and YouTube. But with Musk's refusal to continue their agreement, Lemon promised to continue the gig on YouTube.

"While Elon goes back on his word, I will be doubling down, I will be doubling down on my commitment to free speech, and I cannot wait to get started," Lemon declared. He also noted that his interview with Musk would air on the platform.

Don Lemon's botched partnership with Elon Musk must be a relief for fans who vowed to boycott the show if it aired on X. But will the billionaire sit still while Lemon's program runs on YouTube?