CNN fires Don Lemon weeks after ‘sexist’ comments about US presidential candidate

Cable News Network (CNN) has fired Don Lemon after 17 years in the company.

Although no specific reason was given for his dismissal, Chris Licht, CNN CEO, in a memo to staff said: “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 endeavours.”

However, in a statement on Monday, Lemon described his sack as shocking. 

“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,” he said.

“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.”

Reacting to Lemon’s claims, the CNN CEO said the anchor’s version of events was inaccurate.

He said Lemon “was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter”.

‘SEXIST COMMENT’

Lemon joined CNN in September 2006. He helmed the prime-time programme ‘Don Lemon Tonight’ for more than eight years before joining ‘CNN This Morning’.

He recently came under widespread criticism over sexist comments he made about Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and US presidential candidate.

Lemon had said the 51-year-old former governor “isn’t in her prime”, adding that a woman is only “considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s, and maybe 40s”.

After internal and external backlash, Lemon apologised to the organisation and to co-workers during an editorial meeting.