Don Lemon Claims CNN Fired Him: Network Says He Nixed Talks

Don Lemon announced Monday (Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Manila) that he's been "terminated" by CNN.

Photo Insert: Lemon's exit comes on the heels of an exposé detailing multiple supposed misogynistic incidents over the past 15 years at CNN.

The embattled anchor, who joined the network in 2006, faced scrutiny over his alleged sexist behavior, surviving numerous on-air blunders during his tenure, like in February when he declared Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley "isn't in her prime" at age 51, Taryn Ryder reported for Yahoo TV.

"I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN," he shared on social media just hours after appearing on-air Monday morning as usual. "I am stunned."

Lemon added: "After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had 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 that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, 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," Suzy Byrne also reported.

CNN confirmed his departure with CEO Chris Licht saying in a statement, "Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors."

Licht added that, despite Lemon's departure, the network remains "committed" to the success of CNN This Morning.

The split turned messy immediately, however, with CNN Communications tweeting soon after that Lemon's statement is "inaccurate." The network claimed Lemon was "offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter."

Lemon's exit comes on the heels of Variety's April 5 exposé detailing multiple supposed misogynistic incidents over the past 15 years at CNN. In 2008, the anchor allegedly threatened his Live From co-host Kyra Phillips when she got an assignment he coveted.

Lemon supposedly made a derogatory comment about former colleague Soledad O'Brien and disrespected Nancy Grace on the air. Unnamed sources questioned his journalistic integrity and behind-the-scenes behavior.

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