Don Lemon Demanded Free Tesla Cybertruck, $5M Advance, More Before Elon Musk Fired Him: Report
Don Lemon’s list of demands from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk led to his abrupt departure from a potential show on X, sources revealed to The New York Post.
Lemon reportedly presented a list of demands bordering on “astronomical” during negotiations with Musk for hosting a program on X. Demands from the ex-CNN host included a free Tesla Cybertruck, an upfront payment of $5 million atop an $8 million salary, equity in the company, and the authority to approve any modifications in X policy concerning news content, according to documents scrutinized by The Post.
Lemon also allegedly insisted on a private jet journey to Las Vegas, accommodations for himself and his partner, and expenses covered for their indulgences, as disclosed by an insider familiar with the matter.
Despite Musk’s knowledge of Lemon’s extravagant requests, sources informed The Post that he consented to the interview for Lemon’s debut episode on X.
Although the partnership was announced in January, an X spokesperson disclosed to The Post that there was no finalized or signed agreement with Lemon or “The Don Lemon Show” before Musk’s interview aired last week.
Musk promptly pulled the plug on “The Don Lemon Show” shortly after his interview with the former CNN anchor, intended as the premiere episode, Lemon revealed on Wednesday.
Lemon’s requests for lavish accommodations and expenses reportedly contributed to the negotiation impasse, with sources indicating dissatisfaction over his extensive demands, including executive assistants and a marketing budget ranging from $10 million to $15 million.
Musk’s decision appeared to stem from Lemon’s alleged expectation of a format akin to CNN, prompting Musk to assert on X, “His approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media,’ which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.”
Musk likened Lemon to Veruca Salt from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” after reports surfaced of Lemon’s contractual demands.
Former CNN anchor Megyn Kelly seized the opportunity to ridicule Lemon’s dismissal by Musk, facetiously remarking on her SiriusXM podcast about his consistent struggle to maintain employment.
Despite acknowledging Lemon’s predicament of interviewing his employer, Kelly showed little sympathy, remarking, “Don Lemon behaved like an a**hole who was not grateful to Elon Musk for resurrecting his career.”
In response to the claims, Lemon’s spokesperson refuted them outright, asserting to The Post, “There is nothing in your list of demands that you claim Don made of X that is true. Literally nothing.”
Jay Sures, vice chairman at UTA, denounced the claims, telling The Post, “This is absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it.”
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