Disgraced CNN anchor Don Lemon filed a lawsuit Thursday against X boss Elon Musk for refusing to pay him after a partnership with the social media platform was canceled.
Lemon, who was canned in March by Musk shortly after a controversial interview with the mogul, alleged breach of contract and use of his name to drum up interest from potential advertisers, according to the complaint filed in San Francisco.
“This case is straightforward. X executives used Don to support their advertising sales campaign, then canceled their partnership and dragged Don’s name through the mud,” said Lemon’s attorney, Carney Shegerian.
“You don’t have to be a genius to see the fraud, negligence and damage to reputation here. “Don is a consummate and strong journalist who is committed to defending his good name and holding the executives of X accountable. We look forward to our day in court,” he added.
Lemon’s lawsuit claims he agreed to a one-year deal worth at least $1.5 million, as well as a 60% cut in advertising revenue and performance-related bonuses based on how the show’s audience grew. his.
He also claims he was forced to give a speech praising the platform in front of potential advertisers.
Musk did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.
Lemon reportedly asked for a $5 million upfront payment on top of the $8 million salary and an equity stake in the social media platform to make the show.
He also apparently insisted on a free Tesla Cybertruck, a private jet to Las Vegas complete with a suite for him and his fiancee — and for the company to pay for their drinks and massages for the day, as exclusively reported by The Post.
The interview with Musk was supposed to serve as the starting point for Lemon’s new show on X.
But the test meeting, which included Lemon grilling Musk about hate speech on the platform, led to the billionaire calling Lemon’s agent to tell him the deal was off.
Musk attacked Lemon in a social media post on March 13, saying he had decided to scrap the project because his host “lacked authenticity.”
He said Lemon’s approach was “CNN, but on social media,” which isn’t working, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.
The former “CNN This Morning” anchor was fired in April 2023 after a series of on-air controversies, including his infamous claim that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley wasn’t “in her prime” — and shouldn’t comment on politicians’ ages others. .
He also clashed with co-host Kaitlain Collins, allegedly “yelling” at her off-camera in the incident that led to the studio’s exit, The Post previously reported.
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