CNN sacked Don Lemon in April 2023 after almost two decades. After making $14 million on CNN, Don was fired and left with no explanation. Critics believe he’s careless with his money.
According to Don Lemon and CNN, the former anchor had a chance to rehabilitate himself, but he declined. CNN wishes him well despite firing him.
Don Lemon Fired After 17 Years
Don Lemon’s unexpected dismissal didn’t immediately explain why. Lemon co-anchored This Morning alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow for six months, earning more than his female co-hosts.
Don’s dismissal was stunning given his 17-year tenure with CNN. Don tweeted that CNN had dismissed him—not because he had left—which was startling.
Lemon stated that his agent told him he had “been terminated by CNN,” leaving him “stunned.” Lemon tweeted that no one told him he would be fired and that he thought “someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly.”
Don thanked his former colleagues and wished everyone well, although he implied that CNN’s words were incomplete.
Why Was Don Lemon Fired?
Don Lemon was likely dismissed for his on-air criticism of politicians’ ages. Lemon was dismissed shortly after saying a presidential contender was “past her prime,” so it’s guesswork.
After the difficult chat, Don had a prearranged trip, which explains part of his absence from the show. Don apologized on social media and claimed he was “committed to doing better.”
On February 22nd, 2023, Don apologized, and on April 24th, he announced his firing.
According to publications and fan speculation, Don’s apparent infractions, including arguing with co-hosts and guests and making misogynistic comments, may have been due to the show he co-anchored’s poor ratings.
CNN This Morning had the lowest ratings in a decade before Don’s February comments. Don’s comeback (289K viewers at 6 AM) helped, but Morning Joe (908K viewers) and Fox & Friends (1M+ viewers) still outperformed it.
Only Lemon has been sacked, leaving his two female co-anchors to carry a faltering show. CNN has only removed Don Lemon’s name, leaving Kaitlan Collins’ and Poppy Harlow’s.
CNN Tried To Work With Lemon.
CNN evidently examined more than Don Lemon’s final on-air comments before terminating his employment. Washington Examiner said that Lemon will be trained upon his return.
“I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation,” a CNN memo explained. He will attend formal training and keep learning. We’re really concerned.”
CNN CEO Chris Licht remarked, “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes.”
CNN categorically denied Lemon’s claim that he was sacked without explanation. The network stated that Don was “offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”
