Don Lemon fired – live: CNN anchor says he has ‘no regrets’ and ‘owns his actions’ after exit

Don Lemon has said he had no regrets and “owns” his actions after being fired from CNN following his 17-year stint with the network.

Lemon announced his firing on Monday, saying he was “stunned” after being informed of the decision by his agent, and lamenting the lack of “decency” in the handling of the situation, which CNN rejected as “inaccurate”.

“Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years,” CNN said. “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavours.”

“I live my life with no regrets. I did what I did and I own it, and so no, I don’t look back and I don’t want to change things in the past,” Lemon said in an interview with Extra TV at the Time 100 Gala NYC.

It came as Lemon had been mired in a string of controversies in recent months – with accusations of making offensive on-air comments about women and of mistreating female coworkers off-camera. Lemon has denied the allegations.

Key Points

• Don Lemon says he has no regrets after sexism claims: ‘I own it’

• Don Lemon fired from CNN after accusations of sexist comments and mistreatment of female colleagues

• What Lemon said about presidential candidate Nikki Haley

• Donald Trump rejoices in Lemon’s departure from CNN

• CNN co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins respond to anchor’s dismissal

• California congressman defends Lemon over Ramaswamy interview

Howard Stern brands Don Lemon ‘lucky’ as his firing coincided with Tucker Carlson’s

05:07 , Tom Murray

While Don Lemon claimed his termination came without warning, Howard Stern has suggested there’s some good in the timing of it all.

The TV personality argued that because Lemon’s firing coincided with Fox News parting ways with Tucker Carlson, the controversial host would attract the most attention, leaving Lemon with less heated criticism.

Read more:

Howard Stern claims Don Lemon ‘lucky’ to be fired at same time as Tucker Carlson

Don Lemon says he has no regrets as he addresses CNN exit after sexism claims: ‘I own it’

05:06 , Shweta Sharma

Don Lemon said he had no regrets and “owns” his actions after being fired from CNN following his 17-year stint with the network.

Lemon announced his firing on Monday, saying he was “stunned” after being informed of the decision by his agent, and lamenting the lack of “decency” in the handling of the situation, which the CNN rejected as “inaccurate”.

The news anchor hit the red carpet at the Time 100 Gala in New York City following his axing and spoke to Extra Tv about the channel’s decision.

Don Lemon addresses CNN exit after sexism claims

Don Lemon’s career timeline

04:08 , Tom Murray

Before joining CNN 17 years ago, Lemon worked on NBC’s Today and Nightly News programmes.

The Independent has put together Lemon’s career timeline, from his first job in journalism to his dismissal from CNN.

Timeline of ‘fired’ CNN host Don Lemon’s career

Don Lemon denies misogyny allegations calling them ‘patently false’

03:10 , Tom Murray

This is what the presenter himself has had to say about the sexism accusations levelled against him.

Don Lemon denies workplace misogyny accusations calling them ‘patently false’

Nikki Haley celebrates Lemon’s dismissal with custom merchandise

02:12 , Tom Murray

The former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the UN, herself now a Republican presidential contender, took to Twitter yesterday to celebrate the downfall of the man who controversially suggested she was “past her prime” and wasted no time in turning the moment into a sales opportunity.

“A great day for women everywhere. Now, let’s get men out of women’s sports,” she wrote before pitching a range of beer can koozies emblazened with her slogans.

Rick Ross offers Don Lemon a job at Wingstop

01:19 , Tom Murray

Rapper Rick Ross has responded to the news of Lemon’s firing from CNN by offering him a job at his fast food chain Wingstop.

“For some reason, I believe you know what you’re doing with them lemon pepper wings, so man just send over your resumé,” Ross said.

“Seventeen years, damn. But I’m going to make sure I get you in front of the right grill brother.”

Read more:

Don Lemon denies misogyny allegations calling them ‘patently false’

Thursday 27 April 2023 00:00 , Inga Parkel

This is what the presenter himself has had to say about the sexism accusations levelled against him.

Don Lemon denies workplace misogyny accusations calling them ‘patently false’

The CNN news anchor said story is based on ‘15-year-old anonymous gossip’

California congressman defends Lemon over Ramaswamy interview

Wednesday 26 April 2023 23:00 , Inga Parkel

As we mentioned earlier, The New York Times has reported that CNN executives were left exasperated by the heated interview Don Lemon carried out with entrepreneur and aspiring Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy last week, in which their pair sparred over the history of the civil rights movement as co-presenter Poppy Harlow squirmed awkwardly in her chair.

However, California Democratic congressman Ro Khanna has leapt to the anchor’s defence, retweeting the clip and commenting: “Don Lemon was right. As an Indian American, I was profoundly embarrassed by Vivek lecturing a Black man about Black history. The truth is that the Black civil rights movement paved the way for the 1965 immigration act so that Vivek’s family or mine could come to America. We owe a huge debt.”

Nikki Haley wastes no time in using Lemon dismissal to hawk merchandise

Wednesday 26 April 2023 22:00 , Inga Parkel

The former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the UN, herself now a Republican presidential contender, took to Twitter yesterday to celebrate the downfall of the man who controversially suggested she was “past her prime” and wasted no time in turning the moment into a sales opportunity.

“A great day for women everywhere. Now, let’s get men out of women’s sports,” she wrote before pitching a range of beer can koozies emblazoned with her slogans.

Nikki Haley celebrates Don Lemon being ousted with custom koozies

Ousted CNN presenter previously claimed the White House hopeful was ‘not in her prime’

What will happen to CNN This Morning?

Wednesday 26 April 2023 21:00 , Inga Parkel

During Lemon’s earlier leave, following his controversial comments about Nikki Haley’s age, anchor Sara Sidner filled his spot beside co-host Poppy Harlow.

However, at the moment, the network has yet to announce any plans for a permanent replacement. For now, Harlow and co-anchor Kaitlan Collins will continue hosting the show as usual.

Co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins react to Don Lemon's firing

Wednesday 26 April 2023 20:00 , Inga Parkel

The morning after CNN announced Lemon’s termination, CNN This Morning went along with business as usual with co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins hosting the show.

However, before jumping into the day’s news, the two gave Lemon a swift and upbeat send-off, wishing him well.

Read more:

Don Lemon receives swift and upbeat send-off from CNN co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins

Lemon was fired on Monday after 17 years of broadcasting at CNN

Howard Stern brands Don Lemon ‘lucky’ as his firing coincided with Tucker Carlson’s

Wednesday 26 April 2023 19:00 , Inga Parkel

While Don Lemon claimed his termination came without warning, Howard Stern has suggested there’s some good in the timing of it all.

The TV personality argued that because Lemon’s firing coincided with Fox News parting ways with Tucker Carlson, the controversial host would attract the most attention, leaving Lemon with less heated criticism.

Read more:

Howard Stern says Don Lemon and Jeff Shell were ‘lucky’ to be fired at same time as Tucker Carlson

CNN’s Lemon and Fox’s Carlson announced their departure on Monday (24 April)

Michelle Yeoh’s dig at Don Lemon in Oscars acceptance speech revisited

Wednesday 26 April 2023 18:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Lemon’s sexist remark about Nikki Haley earned him a callout from the Best Actress winner at this year’s Academy Awards in Los Angeles just last month.

Peony Hirwani looks back at an excruciating moment for the anchor as he was put to the sword by legendary action star Michelle Yeoh as she accepted her statuette for Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Michelle Yeoh takes aim at CNN’s Don Lemon with Oscars acceptance speech

‘The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal’

Wednesday 26 April 2023 17:15 , Joe Sommerlad

For Indy Voices, Clemence Michallon offers this on Lemon’s “past her prime” scandal from earlier this year, which in retrospect appears to have marked the beginning of the end for him at CNN.

The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal | Voices

Don Lemon career timeline

Wednesday 26 April 2023 16:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Inga Parkel has this look back at the fired CNN star’s career in the media.

Timeline of ‘fired’ CNN host Don Lemon’s career

How CNN reported Don Lemon’s departure

Wednesday 26 April 2023 15:45 , Joe Sommerlad

In case you missed it, this is how anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlin Collins covered the Lemon news on his former show on Tuesday morning, with both women sharing positive memories of his contribution and thanking viewers for tuning in.

Here’s more from Ariana Baio.

Don Lemon receives swift and upbeat send-off from CNN co-anchors

Rick Ross offers Don Lemon a job at Wingstop

Wednesday 26 April 2023 15:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Rapper Rick Ross has responded to the news of Lemon’s firing from CNN by offering him a job at his fast food chain Wingstop.

“For some reason, I believe you know what you’re doing with them lemon pepper wings, so man just send over your resumé,” Ross said.

“Seventeen years, damn. But I’m going to make sure I get you in front of the right grill brother.”

Ross and his family own nearly 30 franchises of the popular fried chicken chain.

Lemon ‘lucky’ to be ousted same time as Carlson, says Howard Stern

Wednesday 26 April 2023 14:15 , Joe Sommerlad

The legendary radio “shock jock” has said that the ousted CNN anchor Don Lemon and fired NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell were “lucky” to lose their jobs at the same time as Fox’s Tucker Carlson.

“Don Lemon got fired over at CNN and then some other guy at NBC, Jeff Shell, who’s an executive, got fired,” Stern said on Tuesday’s episode of his SiriusXM radio show.

“And I’m like, Jeff Shell’s so lucky, and so is Don Lemon, because Tucker Carlson getting fired on the same day you get fired – you barely make news, like no one will even notice.

“Now is the time to get rid of everybody, ‘cause no one’s going to really make a big deal about it.”

I’m not sure it’s played out like that in practice but here’s Ellie Muir with more.

Howard Stern claims Don Lemon ‘lucky’ to be fired at same time as Tucker Carlson

Nikki Haley wastes no time in using Lemon dismissal to hawk merchandise

Wednesday 26 April 2023 13:30 , Joe Sommerlad

The former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the UN, herself now a Republican presidential contender, took to Twitter yesterday to celebrate the downfall of the man who controversially suggested she was “past her prime” and wasted no time in turning the moment into a sales opportunity.

“A great day for women everywhere. Now, let’s get men out of women’s sports,” she wrote before pitching a range of beer can koozies emblazened with her slogans.

Ariana Baio has more on this timeliest of grifts.

Nikki Haley celebrates Don Lemon being ousted with custom koozies

Don Lemon denies misogyny allegations calling them ‘patently false’

Wednesday 26 April 2023 12:45 , Joe Sommerlad

This is what the presenter himself has had to say about the sexism accusations levelled against him.

Don Lemon denies workplace misogyny accusations calling them ‘patently false’

The View host defends Lemon over misogyny accusations

Wednesday 26 April 2023 12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Also speaking up for Lemon yesterday was The View’s Sunny Hostin, who said: “I don’t believe, in my experience with him, that he’s a misogynist. I think he loves women: he loves his mother, he loved his sister, he loves me, he loves Joy Behar.”

Ingal Parker has more.

The View’s Sunny Hostin defends ‘friend’ Don Lemon after CNN firing

California congressman defends Lemon over Ramaswamy interview

Wednesday 26 April 2023 11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

As we mentioned earlier, The New York Times has reported that CNN executives were left exasperated by the heated interview Don Lemon carried out with entrepreneur and aspiring Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy last week, in which their pair sparred over the history of the civil rights movement as co-presenter Poppy Harlow squirmed awkwardly in her chair.

However, California Democratic congressman Ro Khanna has leapt to the anchor’s defence, retweeting the clip and commenting: “Don Lemon was right. As an Indian American, I was profoundly embarrassed by Vivek lecturing a Black man about Black history. The truth is that the Black civil rights movement paved the way for the 1965 immigration act so that Vivek’s family or mine could come to America. We owe a huge debt.”

Sean Hannity gloats over dismissal of ‘fake news enthusiast’ Don Lemon

Wednesday 26 April 2023 10:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Ironic applause and whistles broke out in the Fox News studio as Hannity covered the Lemon news last night – an astonishingly hypocritical attack on a fellow professional given what the recent Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit revealed about what went on at Fox behind the scenes in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?

Wednesday 26 April 2023 10:00 , Joe Sommerlad

While the precise reasoning behind Lemon’s dismissal from CNN is still not totally clear, one thing is certain: his exit from the network was involuntary.

John Bowden has more on a suprise move that coincided with Tucker Carlson’s bombshell ousting from conservative rival Fox.

Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?

Lemon had heated exchange with Vivek Ramaswamy last week

Wednesday 26 April 2023 07:59 , Tom Murray

According to The New York Times, several CNN leaders were left “exasperated” by Lemon’s heated interview with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy last week.

Lemon and Ramaswarmy fiercely debated the Second Amendment right to bear arms and its role in Black history. At one point, Lemon removed his earpiece as he said he couldn’t hear his subject while producers were talking in his ear.

Don Lemon’s career timeline

Wednesday 26 April 2023 07:01 , Tom Murray

Before joining CNN 17 years ago, Lemon jumped between several other news anchor gigs after joining the profession surprisingly late.

The Independent has put together Lemon’s career timeline, from his first job in journalism to his dismissal from CNN.

Timeline of ‘fired’ CNN host Don Lemon’s career

Donald Trump reacts to Lemon’s firing

Wednesday 26 April 2023 06:02 , Tom Murray

“Good News: ‘The dumbest man on television,’ Don Lemon, has finally been fired from Fake News CNN,” Donald Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social on Monday.

He added, “My only question is, WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?”

Lemon, who had been a host on CNN since 2014, was an outspoken critic of Trump.

Read more.

Trump celebrates Don Lemon ouster from CNN and mourns Tucker Carlson’s Fox exit

Latest on Tucker Carlson firing

Wednesday 26 April 2023 05:00 , Tom Murray

Lemon’s firing coincided with that of another US media giant: Tucker Carlson.

Insiders say Carlson was “blindsided” by his removal from Fox News after eight years on the network.

Here’s the latest.

Fox News’ Tucker Carlson was negotiating new contract when Murdoch fired him – live

Lemon previously came under fire for asking a female guest if she had ‘mommy brain’

Wednesday 26 April 2023 04:01 , Tom Murray

The Nikki Haley scandal was not Lemon’s first brush with controversy.

He previously came under fire for asking political commentator SE Cupp if she was suffering from “mommy brain”.

His comment was branded “sexist” by viewers.

Read more:

‘Sexist’ CNN host Don Lemon under fire for asking guest if she had ‘mommy brain’

Voices: ‘The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal’

Wednesday 26 April 2023 02:59 , Tom Murray

For The Independent, Clémence Michallon previously argued that the Don Lemon scandal over his infamous Nikki Haley comments was not a scandal at all.

Find out her reasoning here:

The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal | Voices