(JustPatriots.com)- After Elon Musk suspended journalists’ accounts, CNN threatened to “re-evaluate” their relationship with Twitter, according to a report from American Pigeon. Musk reportedly banned eight prominent journalists from the social media platform after he alleged they shared links that doxed his location and put his family in danger.
Among the journalists that were suspended were Donie O’Sullivan, Ryan Mac, Drew Harwell, Micah Lee, Steve Herman, Matt Binder, Keith Olbermann, and Aaron Rupar. They represent media companies such as CNN, Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Shortly after, Musk implemented a poll asking whether he should reinstate their accounts “now” or in seven days. 43% of users voted “now” and the journalists were reinstated.
Musk had also banned the account “ElonJet” for tracking the whereabouts of his private jet, which the “chief twit” considered to be “real-time doxing.” He also threatened legal action.
Despite his rules against sharing information about his locations and others’ locations, CNN voiced their concern for what they saw as censorship.
“The impulsive and unjustified suspension of a number of reporters, including CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, is concerning but not surprising,” the CNN statement wrote. The outlet argued that the social media platform was volatile and said that they have asked Twitter for an explanation of the suspensions.
“We will reevaluate our relationship based on that response,” the statement concluded.
Critics of Musk are saying that his conduct is not indicative of his “free speech absolutism” stance, but there is no record of Musk ever stating that he was a free speech absolutist.
Musk reportedly completed his $44 billion acquisition of the company in late October and has since worked to release internal documents highlighting the politically partisan operations of the former team. He has given information to independent journalists like Michael Shellenberger and Matt Taibbi in what he calls the “Twitter Files.”
