CNN has responded to Don Lemon’s recent statement about being dismissed from the network, citing it as ‘inaccurate’.
The 57-year-old news anchor had announced on Monday (25 April) that he had been ‘terminated’ from CNN, expressing shock and claiming he had not been given any indication about the decision.
In his statement, Lemon 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 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.” He also alluded to “larger issues at play” and thanked his colleagues and teams.
CNN, however, responded swiftly with a tweet from its public relations team, stating, “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.” This contradicted Lemon’s claim that he was not directly informed about his termination.
Originally, CNN had released a more positive statement about Lemon’s departure, expressing gratitude for his contributions and assuring him that he would always be part of the “CNN family”. However, it appears that the tone and content of Lemon’s statement prompted CNN to revise its statement.
Lemon’s dismissal comes several months after he faced criticism for controversial remarks made on a segment of CNN This Morning. During the segment, he made derogatory comments about former South Carolina governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, stating that she was past her prime, despite her being 51 years old. Lemon was briefly taken off air after the incident and issued a public apology, saying, “I’m sorry that I said it. And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided,” according to CNN.
Lemon joined CNN in 2006, having previously anchored NBC Chicago and worked as a correspondent for NBC News, the TODAY Show, and NBC Nightly News.
CNN’s response to Lemon’s statement indicates a disagreement between the network and the news anchor about the circumstances of his termination. While Lemon claimed he was not directly informed, CNN stated that he was offered an opportunity to meet with management but chose to make a statement on Twitter instead. The situation comes after Lemon’s previous controversy regarding his remarks about Nikki Haley, which led to a public apology.
