Don Lemon ridiculed as sources say he demanded Tesla Cybertruck, equity in X before Elon Musk axed show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Don Lemon's negotiations with Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have culminated in the former's dismissal, as revealed by close sources.
They noted that during contract talks to host 'The Don Lemon Show' on the social media platform Lemon apparently presented an extravagant wish list to the SpaceX and Tesla CEO.
Don Lemon asked for authority to approve any changes in X's policy related to news content and a free Tesla Cybertruck
Insiders claimed that Lemon's demands included a Tesla Cybertruck, a staggering $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, equity in the company, and the authority to approve any changes in X's policy related to news content.
Additionally, the journalist requested a private jet flight to Las Vegas, accommodations for himself and his fiance, Tim Malone, and expenses for their leisure activities, including day drinking and massages.
Despite the outlandish requests, Musk tentatively agreed to an interview with Lemon for the debut episode. However, there was no final or signed agreement between Lemon and X at the time.
Negotiations between Lemon's agents at United Talent Agency and X's leadership began in December 2023, with the partnership officially announced in January. Details surrounding the agreement remain murky, with X declining to comment on the specifics of the document reviewed by the New York Post.
In response to the allegations, Jay Sures, vice chairman at UTA, vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as "absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it." Lemon, on the other hand, attributed his dismissal to Musk's alleged breach of a "free speech" pledge, a claim refuted by X representatives.
Despite efforts to salvage the agreement, talks ultimately faltered, leading to Lemon's termination.
Amid the fallout, Lemon asserted that discussions with X began shortly after his departure from CNN in April 2023, with tensions escalating over alleged threats of termination if he did not attend the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.
However, X representatives dismissed Lemon's claims as "a disingenuous lie."
As the controversy continues to unfold, Lemon's spokesperson maintained that the reported demands were baseless, emphasizing that "there is nothing...that is true. Literally nothing."
Internet reacts to Don Lemon's extravagant demands for X talk show
A Facebook user remarked, "He's his own caricature," and another said, "Lemon should have offered to pay Musk for allowing him on 'X.'"
Another user wrote, "Overplayed his hand sounds like. Can't believe Elon even considered any deal with that knucklehead. Asking for trouble."
"It’s so funny how Musk mopped the floor with Lemon," expressed a person, highlighting how the journalist's X talk show was axed.
"Someone thinks they’re still relevant….and hasn’t eaten enough humble pie yet," noted an individual.
Someone else quipped, "I bet Elon hired him just so he could fire him. I can’t think of another reason."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
