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Don Lemon, former co-anchor of CNN’s ‘CNN This Morning,’ has announced that he has been terminated from his position. Having worked alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow for roughly six months, Lemon revealed his dismissal in a tweet on Monday. ‘I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,’ he stated.
In a message to CNN employees, CNN CEO Chris Licht expressed gratitude for Lemon’s many years of contributions to the network and wished him the best in his future endeavors. ‘To my CNN Colleagues, CNN and Don have parted ways. Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years,’ Licht wrote. He went on to add: ‘CNN This Morning has been on the air for nearly six months, and we are committed to its success.’
TRUMP: "'The dumbest man on television,' Don Lemon, has finally been fired from Fake News CNN. My only question is, WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?" pic.twitter.com/KzamRgaXpy
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 24, 2023
Lemon proceeded to voice his discontent over the way the news was communicated to him. ‘After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear there are some larger issues at play,’ he explained.
Despite his disappointment, Lemon expressed his gratitude for the people he had worked with during his time at CNN, wishing them the best. ‘I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best,’ he stated.
CNN’s communications department took to Twitter to dispute Lemon’s claims regarding his termination, stating that his comments on the situation were inaccurate. ‘Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate,’ CNN tweeted. ‘He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.’
This development comes amidst recent allegations of misogyny against Lemon, documented in an extensive report by Variety. In February, Lemon gained notoriety for making offensive comments about Nikki Haley, for which he later apologized. He has also faced previous accusations of making inappropriate remarks about women on air.
Raise your hand if you are happy that CNN has fired Don Lemon ????? pic.twitter.com/u3M3VoNEge
— Proud Elephant ??? (@ProudElephantUS) April 24, 2023
The Variety article, published earlier this month, highlighted further allegations of inappropriate behavior by Lemon towards female colleagues at CNN. The comprehensive report outlined instances where he allegedly disrespected former colleagues—including Nancy Grace and Soledad O’Brien—in various public settings, such as on air and during editorial meetings.
To compile the report, Variety spoke with over a dozen current and former colleagues of Lemon, many of whom chose to remain anonymous. The article also provided details on alleged offenses committed by Lemon against Kyra Phillips, his co-anchor on CNN’s ‘Live From’ back in 2008. Phillips, however, opted not to comment on these allegations when approached by Variety.
In response to the accusations, a representative for Lemon dismissed the Variety piece as being ‘riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence.’ They went on to criticize the report as being ‘entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip.’
The representative also expressed their dismay at the publication, stating: ‘It’s amazing and disappointing that Variety would be so reckless.’
Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023
Additionally, a spokesperson for CNN commented that the news organization was unable to corroborate or verify the alleged accounts presented in the report. The veracity of the claims has been called into question, especially given Lemon’s long and distinguished tenure at the network.
Despite these allegations, it must be acknowledged that Don Lemon has had a significant impact on the field of journalism throughout his 17-year career at CNN. His departure from the network, however abrupt and contentious, serves as the end of an era.
In today’s highly polarized media landscape, it is essential that networks like CNN maintain their credibility, which entails ensuring the conduct of their employees aligns with their values, both on and off the screen.
While Lemon’s departure may be unfortunate, it is important to consider the larger implications for both the network and the industry as a whole. The journalistic community should strive for an environment in which all individuals can work harmoniously and respectfully.
Susan Rice gone.
Buzz Feed dead.
Vice News possibly next.
CEO MSNBC resigned.
Don Lemon/CNN gone.
Bongino/Fox gone.
Carlson/ Fox gone.
Big shakeups in the media
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) April 24, 2023
As Don Lemon moves on to explore new opportunities and pursue future endeavors, it is crucial that we remember the importance of maintaining integrity, professionalism, and respect within the world of journalism. His situation underscores the necessity for unbiased reporting and fostering a culture of respect and understanding within the media industry.
