Former CNN anchor Don Lemon announced on Wednesday that he will be deleting his account from Elon Musk’s social media platform X, citing new terms of service requiring all legal disputes to be handled in Texas courts, which he perceives as conservative strongholds. Lemon, who is currently suing Musk and X in California over a canceled show, argues that this change undermines free speech and debate, claiming it shields X from litigation and punishes critics.
“As The Washington Post recently reported on X’s decision to change the terms, this ‘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 punish critics,’” said Lemon in a statement posted to the very platform he was in the process of leaving. “I think that speaks for itself.”
https://twitter.com/donlemon/status/1856726456438546501
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
Lemon also communicated the same message verbally in an accompanying video.
https://twitter.com/donlemon/status/1856706054496587934
The decision to leave was met with mixed reactions from X users, with some criticizing Lemon for avoiding platforms with differing views.
The terms to which Lemon objects mandate that disputes be filed in the Northern District of Texas, a move seen as favoring conservative rulings, as noted by Georgetown University law professor Steve Vladeck.
Lemon’s exit comes amid broader criticism of Musk’s handling of X, influencing users to migrate to alternative platforms like Bluesky. Despite the backlash, Lemon is encouraging his followers to join him on other social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
Add comment