Don Lemon has been fired by CNN after 17 years with the community.
The longtime information anchor, 57, confirmed the information in an announcement shared by way of Twitter on Monday, April 24. “I used to be knowledgeable this morning by my agent that I’ve been terminated by CNN,” Lemon wrote. “I’m shocked. After 17 years at CNN I might have thought that somebody in administration would have had the decency to inform me instantly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I might not be capable of proceed to do the work I’ve cherished on the community.”
The Louisiana native, who hosted his CNN This Morning present earlier on Monday, continued: “It’s clear that there are some bigger points at play. With that mentioned, I wish to thank my colleagues and the various groups I’ve labored with for an unbelievable run. They’re essentially the most proficient journalists within the enterprise, and I want all of them one of the best.”
The community confirmed the information in a separate assertion, saying: “CNN and Don have parted methods. Don will eternally be part of the CNN household, and we thank him for his contributions over the previous 17 years. We want him nicely and shall be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
CNN additionally confirmed that Lemon’s morning present, which he cohosted with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, would proceed. “CNN This Morning has been on the air for practically six months, and we’re dedicated to its success,” the community mentioned.
Information of Lemon’s exit comes two months after he was briefly taken off the air following a sexist comment about former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” the journalist mentioned in February whereas discussing Haley’s suggestion that politicians over age 75 needs to be topic to psychological competency assessments. “When a lady is taken into account to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and perhaps her 40s.”
When Harlow, 40, requested her cohost to make clear, Lemon mentioned that an web search would clarify what he meant. “Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m simply saying what the information are,” the Clear writer instructed his fellow anchor. “Google it. … Nikki Haley needs to be cautious about saying that politicians aren’t of their prime, and so they must be of their prime once they serve. As a result of she wouldn’t be in her prime, in line with Google or no matter it’s.”
Haley, 51, responded to the controversy by way of social media, tweeting: “Liberals can’t stand the concept of getting competency assessments for older politicians to verify they’ll do the job. BTW it’s at all times the liberals who’re essentially the most sexist.”
The previous South Carolina governor had introduced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election days earlier. “It’s best to know this about me. I don’t put up with bullies,” she mentioned in a video shared by way of social media. “And whenever you relax, it hurts them extra in case you’re sporting heels. I’m Nikki Haley, and I’m working for president.”
Shortly after Lemon’s feedback made headlines, the Edward R. Murrow award winner apologized for the remarks. “The reference I made to a lady’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and family members have identified, and I remorse it,” he tweeted in February. “A lady’s age doesn’t outline her both personally or professionally. I’ve numerous ladies in my life who show that day-after-day.”
At some point after the controversy, Lemon was noticeably absent from CNN This Morning. When the February 17 episode of the present started, Collins, 31, acknowledged her colleague’s absence by saying, “Don has the time off.”
The previous Right this moment correspondent returned to the community on February 22. Forward of the published, he issued a second apology by way of Twitter.
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“I recognize this chance to be again on CNN This Morning right this moment,” he wrote on the time. “To my community, my colleagues and our unbelievable viewers — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you. I’m studying from you, and I’m dedicated to doing higher. See you quickly.”
