By Jonathan Stempel
Elon Musk and X have filed a motion asking a federal judge to dismiss former CNN anchor Don Lemon's lawsuit, claiming they defrauded him by canceling a partnership on the social media platform following a contentious interview.
In a filing in San Francisco federal court, Musk stated that he did nothing wrong by allegedly informing Lemon that a written contract was unnecessary for their partnership. He also mentioned that Lemon would have full authority and control over his work, even without a contract.
Musk deemed it unreasonable for Lemon to rely on a vague statement about the contract and blamed the collapse of the partnership on Lemon, citing an invasive and inappropriate interview conducted by Lemon.
Lemon had sought a minimum of $1.5 million plus a share of advertising revenue in the first year, along with potential earnings from drawing followers and advertisers to X, but Musk and X are seeking a dismissal of the lawsuit.
Many advertisers left X following Musk's takeover due to concerns about hate speech and misinformation on the platform. Musk's other ventures include Tesla and SpaceX.
In his defense, Musk also argued that the case did not belong in California, as he is a Texas resident, and suggested that the case be moved to Texas instead.
Lemon, who spent 17 years at CNN, was fired in April 2023 after making on-air comments perceived as sexist. The case is titled Lemon v. Musk et al, in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.
Analysis:
The lawsuit between Elon Musk and Don Lemon revolves around a canceled social media partnership, with Lemon alleging fraud. Musk's defense is centered on the lack of a written contract and Lemon's conduct during an interview. The outcome of this case could impact Lemon's financial claims and Musk's reputation. Advertisers' concerns about hate speech on the platform have also affected X's business. The legal battle highlights the importance of clear agreements in business partnerships and the potential consequences of contentious interactions in the public eye.