CNN anchor Don Lemon was fired by the network just hours after his morning broadcast on Monday.
This shocking firing was confirmed to network staffers by CNN Ceo Chris Licht, who said, “CNN and Don Lemon 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 endeavors.”
While the initial statement about Lemon’s firing made his departure seem cordial, Lemon appeared very unhappy with the situation.
In a Twitter post addressing his exit from the company, Lemon alleged that he had not been personally informed of his termination. He said,
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. 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 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.”
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
After Lemon issued his statement, CNN posted a response on Twitter, claiming that the former anchor’s accusations are inaccurate:
“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
So far, neither CNN nor Lemon has given a reason for the firing.
News of Lemon’s termination broke on the same day that Fox News host Tucker Carlson was also let go by his network, despite being the highest-rated primetime host on Fox News.
