Former CNN host Don Lemon has announced his departure from the social media platform X, citing concerns about the lack of “honest” debate following Donald Trump’s election victory.
Lemon’s concerns were echoed by several high-profile figures, who also criticized the platform and its owner, Elon Musk.
Musk, who stumped with Trump, and was behind the America PAC, which helped financially roll the campaign, has been tapped to lead the newly minted “Department of Government Efficiency,” alongside former GOP presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
In a series of posts that went viral on Wednesday, Lemon spoke about his decision to step away from X, formerly known as Twitter before Musk bought it.
Here’s why I’m leaving Twitter… pic.twitter.com/VIope68L2k
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) November 13, 2024
Lemon said he has “loved connecting with all of you on Twitter and then on X for all of these years, but it’s time for me to leave the platform.”
“I once believed that it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose,” the ex-CNN star continued.
Lemon noted significant changes in X’s terms of service, effective November 15, which stipulate that all user disputes with the company must be addressed in Texas courts.
He claimed this shift represents a tactical move to shield the platform from criticism, given the conservative leanings of these jurisdictions.
He dubbed the courthouses “a hub for conservatives,” and alleged that the move “could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics.”
“I think that speaks for itself,” Lemon added, directing followers to find his content on other platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
Alongside him, actress Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram to announce her exit from X without detailing her reasons.
Curtis, a recovering addict, invoked the famous Alcohol Anonymous serenity prayer, urging Americans to “wake up and fight” against perceived injustices.
View this post on Instagram
“Fight for women and our children and their futures and fight against tyranny, one day at a time. One fight at a time,” she wrote after Trump won in a landslide victory.
“One protest at a time. That’s what it means to be an American. That’s what it has always meant and will always mean regardless of the outcome.”
Rachel Zegler, known for her role in the upcoming live-action version of Disney’s “Snow White,” also urged others to abandon X.
She criticized supporters of Trump, calling for liberals to put their faith in the Democratic governor’s of blue states.
“May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” she stated, adding that it’s “absolutely terrifying the number of people who stand behind” Trump.
“It is a foolish subscription to a false sense of security, of masculinity, of intelligence, of patriotism, and of humanity,” Zegler ranted. “There is no help, no counsel in any of them.”
Disney’s Snow White (Rachel Zegler) says she hopes harm befalls Trump and all his voters: pic.twitter.com/rEWlpOVZvu
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 13, 2024
She also urged X users to leave the platform because Musk “helped get that man [Trump] elected and you’re giving him business.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian reported its decision to stop posting on X due to “disturbing content” and far-right conspiracy theories prevalent on the platform.
They attributed X’s toxic environment to Musk’s influence on political discourse. “The U.S. presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse,” the outlet claimed.
Elsewhere on X, horror author Stephen King addressed rumors about his alleged comments on Musk, denying claims of being removed from the platform.
“I see there’s a rumor going around that I called the Musk-man Trump’s new first lady,” King tweeted.
Hi Steve!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024
“I didn’t, but only because I didn’t think of it,” he continued heckling. “There’s also a rumor going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am.”
“Hi Steve!” replied Musk, who is indeed the ultimate Twitter troll.