Don Lemon Exits CNN; Host Says He’s Been Terminated By Network After 17 Years
24.04.2023 - 17:01
/ deadline.com
Don Lemon is out at CNN.
The morning show host said that he was informed by his agent that he had been terminated.
The network said that they have “parted ways.” CNN said that CNN This Morning, co-hosted by Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, will continue.
“I am stunned,” Lemon said. “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.”
CNN said in a statement, “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.”
Lemon was moved to the morning hours in November, paired with Harlow and Collins as part of a revamped morning show. The ratings, though, have been far from spectacular, and the network has since replaced its executive producer. But even as executives insist that the show needs more time to gestate, given morning viewing habits, Lemon has been the source of some controversy.
In February, in a conversation about presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Lemon drew an outcry for comments on when women were in their prime. He took several days off the show before apologizing and agreeing to participate in formal training.
The news of Lemon’s departure came just minutes after another bombshell in the news business: The abrupt exit of Tucker Carlson from Fox News. CNN and Fox News each announced the news on their airwaves.
CNN’s John King revealed the news on his Inside Politics show. “Want to share with you some important news right here at our own network,” he said. “CNN’s Oliver