CNN moderator Don Lemon speaks to the crowd attending the Democratic Presidential Debate at the Fox Theatre July 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. 20 Democratic presidential candidates were split into two groups of 10 to take part in the debate sponsored by CNN held over two nights at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and the social media platform, X in a San Francisco.
According to Hollywood Reporter, Lemon argued that there was a breach of contract and misappropriation of his name and likeness even after their agreement had been improperly terminated.
Lemon had entered into a deal with X to host a show on the platform, which was set to feature an interview with Musk as its inaugural episode. However, Musk announced the cancellation of the partnership.
The lawsuit asserts that Lemon was used by X to boost their advertising pitch and then discarded, damaging his reputation and failing to fulfill financial promises.
Lemon's attorney, Carney Shegerian, stated that the case highlights fraud and negligence and contended that X executives pressured Lemon into accepting the deal under false pretenses.
The complaint alleges that Lemon was coerced into attending the CES Conference in Las Vegas and making a public announcement about the partnership, even though he had reservations about collaborating with the platform.
The lawsuit details that while Lemon did not have a formal written contract, X had agreed to pay him a minimum of $1.5 million for a one-year deal, plus a portion of advertising revenue and performance-based payments. It also included $500,000 in advertising credits.
After the interview, Musk reportedly informed Lemon's agent that the deal was void, claiming that a formal agreement was unnecessary despite prior assurances.
X has also failed to compensate Lemon according to the terms of the deal and seeks redress for the damages incurred.
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