Embattled CNN anchor Don Lemon announced Monday that the network has fired him in a decision that left him “stunned.” Lemon stated on Twitter that he had not been contacted directly but discovered through his agent that he had been “terminated.” The network tweeted a statement just minutes later confirming that CNN and their longtime host had “parted ways.” Lemon had been with CNN for 17 years.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,” the former host wrote.
“After 17 years at CNN I would have thought 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.”
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— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
Lemon’s statement immediately went viral and has been viewed more than 10 million times.
“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,” he added.
Just six minutes after Lemon announced his termination, CNN made a statement of their own, painting a less hostile picture.
“CNN and Don have parted ways,” the network’s communications department wrote. “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.”
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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. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023
30 minutes later, the network responded to Lemon’s comments directly, calling them “inaccurate,” and alleging that the host had been given ample opportunity to meet with management before his termination,
“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.”
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
Leading up to his departure, Lemon had been the repeated subject of controversy at CNN, especially since being pulled from his primetime slot last year. A shocking report published by Variety earlier this month detailed a laundry list of allegations against Lemon spanning more than a decade, accusing the CNN host of abusive and misogynist behavior towards colleagues. At the time, the network defended their host, calling the report “unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip,” but Lemon’s career had already begun to unravel by that point.
In February, Lemon was briefly absent from his show in order to complete “sensitivity training,” after referring to 51-year-old Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley as being “past her prime.” Lemon’s comments were widely condemned by both Republicans and Democrats, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Conservatives rejoiced in the immediate aftermath of the announcement, noting the failed anchor’s history of comparing Trump supporters to KKK members, accusing unvaccinated Americans of “taking up the space” in hospitals, and offering defense of Antifa rioters.
“On a happier note #DonLemon just got the boot at CNN. What makes it funnier is they didn’t give him any warning. Don sounds kind of bitter about it, which I guess is appropriate for a lemon” – Dinesh D’Souza (@DineshDSouza)
“Looks like Don Lemon was actually the one past his prime.” – Rep. Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert)
Raise your hand if you are happy that CNN has fired Don Lemon 🙋🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/u3M3VoNEge
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) April 24, 2023
Other commentators noticed the coincidental timing with Fox News announcing the departure of longtime host Tucker Carlson earlier Monday.
“Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were both fired today,” noted conservative activist Laura Loomer. “This comes a week after the Fox News/Dominion lawsuit settlement. Seems like there’s some type of coordinated shakeup in cable news this week.”
Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were both fired today.
This comes a week after the Fox News/Dominion lawsuit settlement. Seems like there’s some type of coordinated shakeup in cable news this week.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 24, 2023
“Unlike Tucker Carlson, this is probably the end of any semblance of relevance for Don Lemon,” Charlie Kirk wrote on Twitter. “Good riddance.”
“Tucker Carlson’s voice will grow. Don Lemon’s will not.” – The Redheaded Libertarian (@TRHLofficial)
“Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice fired by Biden regime. Don Lemon fired by CNN. Tucker Carlson out at Fox just days after Dominion settlement. Dan Bongino out at Fox. Lara Trump out at Fox. Sure seems like there are big things going on behind the scenes.” – DC Draino (@DC_Draino)
Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice fired by Biden regime
Don Lemon fired by CNN
Tucker Carlson out at Fox just days after Dominion settlement
Dan Bongino out at Fox
Lara Trump out at Fox
Sure seems like there are big things going on behind the scenes
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 24, 2023
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