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On Don Lemon

Elon Musk may not be John Stuart Mill, but Don Lemon? Examining the former CNN anchor's case as free speech martyr

Matt Taibbi
Mar 17, 2024
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The New York Post reported on the deal former CNN anchor reportedly sought from Elon Musk and X:

Among the asks were a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, and an equity stake in the social media platform. Lemon also apparently insisted on a free Tesla Cybertruck, a private jet to Las Vegas complete with a suite for him and his fiancé — and that the company pay for their day drinking and massages.

Lemon didn’t respond to the Post’s request for comment. The mainstream press that just a year ago power-crapped on Lemon after his hilarious departure from CNN are now holding him up as a speech hero, because of course they must, with Elon Musk involved. But let’s examine Lemon’s case for martyrdom:

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