CNN decided to break from its longtime anchor, Don Lemon, on Monday morning.
The network announced its split from its employee of 17 years, writing, “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 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
Lemon released his own statement the same day, claiming the network blindsided him with the termination.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN,” the now-former CNN This Morning co-host said in his statement. “I am stunned. 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.”
He continued, “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.”
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
CNN clapped back, calling Lemon’s account of events “inaccurate.”
“Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate,” the statement read. “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
While the network never specifically said why, recent events Sis2Sis reported on possibly led to Lemon’s departure.
In early December, it was reported that Lemon checked CNN This Morning’s co-host Kaitlan Collins for interrupting him during a segment. Sources told several outlets that Lemon allegedly “screamed” at her, causing Collins to run out of the studio “upset.”
Collins used her white privilege and white woman tears and threatened to leave the show because she wanted to work with Lemon “as little as possible.”
She chose to act immaturely and make empty threats, costing a gay Black man his job.
And she didn’t appear to feel bad during Tuesday morning’s taping. CNN This Morning’s co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Collins addressed Lemon’s termination at the show’s beginning, all smiley.
“Well, good morning, everyone. It is Tuesday, April 25th. Welcome to CNN This Morning,” Harlow began. “We’re so glad you’re with us. We do begin, though, with news about this show. As you may have heard yesterday, CNN parted ways with anchor Don Lemon. In a statement, CNN CEO Chris Licht thanked Don for his contributions over the past 17 years, writing in part, ‘Don will forever be a part of the CNN family. We wish him well, and we’ll be cheering him on in his future endeavors.’”
Collins, who didn’t want to work with Lemon, chimed in.
“Absolutely. Of course, Don was a big part of this show over the last six months,” Collins said. “He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show. That’s something I’ll obviously never forget. I agree with Chris. We wish him the best.”
Poppy responded, “Yeah, we certainly do. Don was one of my first friends here at CNN, and I’m so thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support for nearly 15 years here. And I wish him all good things ahead. Kaitlan and I are really proud of this show. We are so proud of the dedicated team that works around the clock to bring you the news every morning. And our priority is you, the viewer. We’re grateful you welcome us into your home each morning.”
Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins began today’s CNN This Morning by addressing Don Lemon’s ouster pic.twitter.com/DusMq1LUua
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 25, 2023
Collins concluded the talk about Lemon with, “Absolutely. And, of course, this morning, we want to keep it within the focus on the news, where that belongs. So let’s get to it. CNN This Morning starts right now.”
Lemon has been with CNN for 17 years (2014 to 2023). From 2014 to 2022, he hosted Don Lemon Tonight; in 2009, he hosted CNN Tonight with Don Lemon.
