Don Lemon quits X, says Elon Musk's platform 'not for honest debate and discussion'

The ex-CNN anchor calls out Musk's policy change as a blow to transparency and announces his exit from the platform.

Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon announced his departure from Elon Musk's social media platform X on Wednesday, citing changes in terms of service requiring all legal disputes to be heard in Texas. 

The move, Lemon argues, could hinder free speech, as Texas courts lean conservatively.

“I once believed that it [X] was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose,” Lemon shared in a video posted to his 1.5 million followers, following his ongoing lawsuit with Musk over a canceled show on X. 

My statement on leaving Twitter pic.twitter.com/9tYcfqHhhC

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) November 13, 2024

The new terms, effective Friday, require disputes to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, a region known for its Republican-appointed judges. 

A Washington Post article noted the change “ensures that such lawsuits will be heard in courthouses that are a hub for conservatives," which experts say could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and discourage critics. 

Lemon cited this report, saying, “I think that speaks for itself.”After a canceled talk show and ongoing legal battles with Musk, Lemon’s announcement sparked mixed reactions on X. 

While some users mocked his departure, claiming it was due to "district shopping for radical judges," others attributed it to the platform's shift away from content moderation. 

Lemon's legal troubles with Musk began this summer when he sued the billionaire, claiming he “incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses” preparing for his X show, alleging Musk used him to boost ad sales before abruptly scrapping the show. 

Lemon's lawyer, Carney Shegerian, claims Musk axed the show after an interview went sideways, pointing to the incident as evidence of Musk’s reaction to “questions Musk did not like.”

Lemon concluded his farewell by encouraging his followers to join him on other platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky, marking the end of his stint on X.