In a surprising move, Elon Musk cancels plans for “The Don Lemon Show” on X after a tense interview, challenging the boundaries of “free speech absolutism.”

Elon Musk, the owner of the social media network X (formerly known as Twitter), has abruptly terminated the upcoming “The Don Lemon Show” after a contentious interview between the billionaire and former CNN anchor Don Lemon. This decision comes amidst Musk’s vocal advocacy for “free speech absolutism,” raising questions about its limits when faced with criticism.

The San Francisco-based company announced that it had “decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.” However, it emphasized that Lemon’s show could still publish content on X, aligning with the platform’s commitment to providing a space for creators to share their work and engage with audiences without censorship.

Don Lemon revealed that the interview, intended for the show’s unaired first episode, left Musk “mad” at him, leading to the show’s cancellation. Lemon plans to release the interview on YouTube and via podcast, hinting at tense moments during their conversation that he believes would have been educational for the audience.

The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Lemon’s probing questions about Musk’s responsibility to moderate hate speech on X and the spread of harmful theories. Musk’s response to these inquiries was dismissive, asserting his disinterest in answering reporters’ questions and highlighting his indifference to criticism.

This cancellation is part of a broader narrative of Musk’s unpredictable management style and his struggle to balance free speech principles with the challenges of content moderation on X. The platform had announced a “new content partnership” with Lemon earlier, aiming to diversify its offerings and attract advertisers through shows touching on politics, culture, sports, and entertainment.

Don Lemon’s departure from CNN and subsequent move to X had been viewed as a fresh start for the veteran journalist, whose career at CNN ended controversially. Now, with the abrupt cancellation of his show on X, the debate over the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms and their owners continues to evolve.