The Tesla boss calls the former CNN anchor a spoiled brat after the TV host threatened to launch a lawsuit against the tech mogul for cancelling his X show.
- Mar 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Elon Musk has compared former CNN anchor Don Lemon to Veruca Salt, the bratty child in "Wonka" following revelations of a series of contractual demands Lemon allegedly made before his new show could stream on Musk's social media platform, X.
According to The New York Post, Lemon requested a Tesla Cybertruck, an $8 million salary, an equity stake in X, and a $5 million upfront payment. He also reportedly asked for a private jet flight to Las Vegas, a suite for himself and his fiance, and a day of drinking and massages.
Musk has denied that Lemon made such demands while UTA, Lemon's talent agency, has called the allegations "absolute, complete utter nonsense." Regardless, Musk has terminated Lemon's show, citing concerns about its authenticity and lack of originality.
Lemon has criticized the decision as an attack on his free speech while Musk has clarified that Lemon is still free to share his show on X without censorship.
The alleged demands have drawn comparisons to the spoiled child from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", with Musk writing, "Don 'Veruca Salt' [lemon emoji]" on X.
Despite the rift, Lemon claims to have gained insights into Musk's relationship with former President Donald Trump during their interview while Musk has publicly denied any plans to endorse Trump's presidential campaign.