Don Lemon is a very well name in the world of television journalism. However, for the unversed, let me inform you that Don is a television journalist from America. In fact, he rose to fame for his work as a host on CNN. He joined CNN back in 2006 and till 2023 he was a regular presence for the news network. Initially, he was a news correspondent. Later through his talent and hard work, he became one of the most popular hosts for the news network.
He started hosting Don Lemon Tonight in 2014. This very program went on till 2022. In addition to this, he was the co-host of CNN This Morning. He hosted this show along with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. In fact, he also received two regional Emmy Awards and an Edward R Murrow award for his contribution to the field of journalism. However, recently, the CNN network fired this popular journalist. This has created an upheaval among the audience and it was totally out of the blue. Don has also spoken out about the firing. Therefore, if you wish to know more about this issue, then this article is the perfect stop for you.
The Cause Behind The Firing
In the earlier part of this year, Don made some unnecessary comments about Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential candidate. Haley is also the Governor of South Carolina. In addition, she has also served as a UN ambassador in the recent past. Speaking about her, Lemon stated that she was not “in her prime”. Supporting his statement, he also went on to add the fact that the age bracket of 20 to 40 is considered the prime for a woman.
As his co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins objected to this comment, he justified his claims by claiming that he was speaking facts. He also urged them to ‘Google it’ for confirmation. Now, this comment is an outrageously sexist comment. In fact, recognising his mistake Lemon claimed in a statement on that same day that his comments were irrelevant and uncalled for. He even apologised to the network for his comments.
Reaction To The Comment
Though Lemon apologised for his comments, Twitter flooded with sharp reactions against him. In fact, in her Oscar acceptance speech, Michelle Yeoh took a slight dig at his comments. The actress appealed to women against letting others decide whether they are past their prime.
Earlier also a report from Variety called out the misogynistic behaviour of Lemon. The report stated that the famed journalist once called a producer of CNN fat on her face. The report also stated that he also mocked one of his lady colleagues and even went to the extent of threatening another of her female colleagues. In addition to this, Lemon also landed in controversy last autumn, when he opined that the soccer team in the US Men should be paid more than the women’s team.
Reaction To His Firing
Ms Haley, whom Lemon attacked verbally came out in support of the decision to fire Lemon. She commented on Twitter to express his support of the decision. She tweeted that this action by CNN has brought a ‘great day for women everywhere’. She added the hashtag ‘#StillInMyPrime’.
Lemon’s Reaction
Lemon expressed his surprise at the decision of the CNN network. He tweeted that the decision has stunned him. He stated that he has served CNN for 17 years and thus expected the management to inform him about the decision. He also claimed that the decision shows that “there are larger issues at play”. However, CNN has released another statement stating that the claims are ‘inaccurate’.
He had signed a contract which would have kept him at CNN till 2026. Therefore, Lemon has hired the service of entertainment lawyer Bryan Freedman for legal procedures about the contract.
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