Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is gearing up for a highly-anticipated return to the broadcasting world, but he couldn’t have chosen a worse place to start.
After losing his longtime hosting gig on CNN, the TV personality recently announced he will be bringing his own show to several streaming sites. The program will make its first splash on X, formerly known as Twitter; however, fans are far from pleased about his decision to use Elon Musk’s platform.
Fans Declare They Will Boycott Don Lemon’s New Show If He Goes To X
Lemon excitedly revealed his latest career move with a statement shared on Tuesday, January 9. Although his self-titled show has no premiere date, it will feature “honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors.”
“I’ve heard you… and today, I am back bigger, bolder, freer! My new media company’s first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening,” the former news anchor declared, adding:
“And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free speech in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning, so stay tuned.”
Unfortunately for Lemon, his Instagram announcement didn’t generate positive responses from fans. Many were disappointed by his decision to use X and declared they would not support his show because Musk allegedly ruined the platform.
“You had me until ‘X’ sir,” a displeased fan penned, with another lamenting, “I had to reread your sentence about X three times. The biggest space for free speech? Did EM contractually oblige you to write that??? Hope to see you on other platforms.”
“So glad you’re back !!!!! I am sorry, but I can’t subscribe to X. I will not support its owner. But please let us know as you branch out and cheers to your next chapter,” a third wrote. A fourth Instagram user echoed similar sentiments with the comment:
“I’m so excited for you! Unfortunately, I just can’t support X, but the SECOND you’re available on other platforms, I will be there with bells on! Good luck and so much love!”
More Musk critics bared their fangs, with one wondering: “Why X?!? Can’t subscribe to Mr. Wacko anymore. Perhaps find a better platform???” A fellow disappointed fan aired their displeasure at Lemon, writing: “Don’t go on X. I thought more highly of you.”
“On X? Seriously? That’s a disgrace. Is your account hacked?” Someone wondered while another advised Lemon to switch platforms. “You were better off using YouTube! X’s popularity is declining by the minute. Don’t go out like this,” the individual begged.
Don Lemon Positively Reflected On His Departure From CNN
Before fans slammed Lemon over his ties to the X platform, the former CNN anchor reflected on his future following his departure from the news network. He was fired last April with his termination allegedly linked to his infamous comments about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Despite spending over a decade with CNN, Lemon didn’t wail over his termination but accepted what happened with grace. He made a surprise appearance at the Time 100 Gala in New York, telling sources he was not worried about his future. In his words:
“You guys are more worried about me than I am. Life goes on. That’s behind me, and we’ll see what happens. I live my life with no regrets, and whatever I did, I did, I owned. I don’t look back and don’t want to change things in the past … Onward.”
Lemon insisted that life was too short to be worried about the obstacles in one’s path, adding, “Whatever life hands you, you have to bob and weave and do it,” he said. The media personality drew inspiration from past struggles, such as his sister’s death and his dad’s fatal diabetes, stating:
“So there are lots of unexpected things that come your way, but I’m a survivor. I come from strong, sturdy stock in Louisiana, and many people are rooting for me and who love me.”
As for his future, Lemon noted he was “excited for a new chapter” and planned to enjoy his newfound freedom “On the beach and the boat, and with my family.” Additionally, he revealed plans to rest and see what happened next in his life, mainly because he was “fortunate enough to be in a position where I can do that.”