Don Lemon fired – live updates: CNN host gets send-off from colleagues after claiming he was axed unexpectedly

Tom Murray,Peony Hirwani,Roisin O'Connor and Inga Parkel
·14 min read
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Don Lemon has been fired by CNN after 17 years on the network.

The following morning on Tuesday (25 April), Lemon’s former CNN co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins opened the morning broadcast with a swift and upbeat send-off, wishing Lemon well.

On Monday (24 April), the news anchor announced that he had “parted ways” with CNN following a string of scandals in recent months, barely an hour after news broke that Tucker Carlson had been fired from Fox News.

“CNN and Don have parted ways,” the network said in a statement.

“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.”

Lemon reacted to the news with his own statement on Twitter saying he was left “stunned” after being informed by his agent that CNN had allegedly terminated his contract without informing him.

“After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” he wrote.

CNN has called Lemon’s statement “inaccurate”.

Earlier this year, Lemon faced scrutiny for saying on-air that presidential candidate Nikki Haley was not “in her prime” at the age of 51.

Key Points

How did Don Lemon respond to Stephen Colbert’s hoodie take-down?

16:00 , Inga Parkel

As per Stephen Colbert’s request, Don Lemon defended his outfit choice the next morning.

The news anchor began by prefacing his response with: “I love Stephen Colbert. I think he’s funny. Obviously, I love comedians to have a little leeway.

“I didn’t expect that reaction. For me, it was sort of like a Rorschach test... wearing that outfit.”

Lemon then clarified that it wasn’t “a sweatshirt, it was a sweater that had a hood on it”.

What was the Don Lemon hoodie controversy?

15:30 , Inga Parkel

In January, Lemon appeared on CNN This Morning wearing a suit with a hoodie attached to it.

Later that night, late-night host Stephen Colbert shared his honest opinion on his “dear friend’s” outfit choice, asking: “What the f*** is that?

“I know they want to add some comedy to CNN, and this is hilarious. But how do you report the news in that outfit? How do you actually talk about tragedy, because what could be more tragic than that look?” Colbert laughed.

He went on to joke that Lemon looked like a “high school track teacher who went for a run and got a little hungry and stopped at a restaurant, but it was too nice of a restaurant and they said, ‘Sir you have to wear a jacket.’ Then he stole a jacket from an extra from Guys and Dolls”.

A timeline of Don Lemon’s career

15:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Before joining the network 17 years ago, he jumped between several other news anchor gigs.

Here’s a recap:

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

Don Lemon’s Nikki Haley controversy explained

14:30 , Roisin O'Connor

What did the CNN host say about the presidential candidate?

Here’s everything you need to know:

Don Lemon’s Nikki Haley controversy explained

And here’s how Trump reacted...

14:00 , Roisin O'Connor

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

Nikki Haley celebrates Don Lemon being ousted from CNN

13:35 , Roisin O'Connor

Presidential candidate Nikki Haley celebrated former CNN host Don Lemon being ousted from his network by posting a graphic referencing his controversial comments.

On Twitter, Ms Haley posted a graphic that showed two cans of lemonade enveloped in koozies that read, “Past my prime?” and “Hold my beer”.

Full story:

Nikki Haley celebrates Don Lemon being ousted with custom koozies

CNN hits back at Don Lemon’s version of events

12:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Shortly after Don Lemon announced he was fired from CNN after 17 years at the network, CNN pushed back on the anchor’s claims about his termination.

On Monday, Mr Lemon shared an emotional note on social media, declaring that the firing left him “stunned”.

In response, CNN’s press team wrote on Twitter: “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.”

In an earlier statement on Monday, the network announced that the two sides had “parted ways” in a brief three-line statement. “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.”

While neither statement offered an explanation for the sudden departure, it comes after Mr Lemon has 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.

Rachel Sharp reports:

CNN slams Don Lemon’s reaction to being fired from network

Don Lemon firing coincides with Tucker Carlson ousting at Fox News

11:29 , Roisin O'Connor

Here’s the latest on Tucker Carlson

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

‘The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal’

11:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Here’s a comment piece Clemence Michallon wrote on the backlash to Don Lemon’s Nikki Haley remarks in February

The Don Lemon scandal is not a scandal | Voices

A reminder of Lemon’s statement

10:24 , Roisin O'Connor

Lemon tweeted the news of his departure on Monday.

In a typed statement shared on Twitter, Lemon said no one at CNN had the “decency” to inform him of his departure in advance. CNN has called Lemon’s sentiments “inaccurate”.

You can read his full, typed statement here:

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

07:05 , Peony Hirwani

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'

06:07 , Peony Hirwani

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

What did Michelle Yeoh say about Lemon at the Oscars?

05:08 , Peony Hirwani

Michelle Yeoh referenced Lemon’s misogynistic comments at the 2023 Oscars in March.

Lemon had faced backlash for suggesting that 51-year-old presidential candidate Nikki Haley was “past her prime”.

Taking the stage to accept her award for Best Actress, Yeoh told the audience: “Ladies, don’t ever let anyone tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up!”

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

Lemon previously denied workplace misogyny accusations

04:10 , Tom Murray

Earlier this month, Lemon strongly denied recent accusations lodged against him, which included claims of workplace misogyny and “diva-like behaviour”.

In a damning report from Variety, several sources alleged he had disrespected CNN co-hosts Nancy Grace and broadcaster Soledad O’Brien, among other things.

Responding to the allegations in a statement to Mediaite, a spokesperson for Lemon said: “The story, which is riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence, is entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip. It’s amazing and disappointing that Variety would be so reckless.”

Read more:

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

Video: Don Lemon and Tucker Carlson previously traded blows

03:11 , Tom Murray

In a wild coincidence, Fox News’ Tucker Carlson and Lemon were fired from their networks on the same day.

The two previously traded blows over Lemon’s wealth and experience of racism.

A reminder of Lemon’s statement

02:12 , Tom Murray

Lemon tweeted the news of his departure on Monday.

In a typed statement shared on Twitter, Lemon said no one at CNN had the “decency” to inform him of his departure in advance. CNN has called Lemon’s sentiments “inaccurate”.

You can read his full, typed statement here:

Donald Trump reacts to Lemon’s firing

01:14 , 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 exit from CNN but mum on ally Tucker Carlson leaving Fox

Nikki Haley celebrates Don Lemon being sacked with custom merchandise

Tuesday 25 April 2023 00:25 , Tom Murray

Nikki Haley, the presidential candidate whom Lemon said was “past her prime” on-air this February, is celebrating the anchor’s departure.

On Twitter, Haley posted a graphic that showed two cans of lemonade enveloped in koozies that read, “Past my prime?” and “Hold my beer”.

Lemon received backlash for his comments with many calling for him to be cancelled. The CNN This Morning host later issued two separate apologies for his statements.

Read more:

ICYMI: Don Lemon has been fired from CNN after 17 years at the network

Monday 24 April 2023 23:31 , Tom Murray

The network announced that it had “parted ways” with Lemon in a brief three-line statement on Monday.

While the statement offered no explanation for the sudden departure, it comes after Lemon has 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 took to Twitter to accuse the network of failing to tell him in person and instead leaving it to his agent to deliver the news.

However, CNN called Lemon’s statement “inaccurate”, saying it offered him the chance to speak to management.

CNN slams Don Lemon’s reaction to being fired from network

Don Lemon’s career timeline

Monday 24 April 2023 22:45 , Tom Murray

Before joining CNN 17 years ago, Lemon jumped between several other news anchor gigs. He also joined 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

Lemon had heated exchange with Vivek Ramaswamy last week

Monday 24 April 2023 22:14 , 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.

Lemon hires Hollywood litigator to handle exit

Monday 24 April 2023 21:43 , Tom Murray

In a sign of bitter developments to come, Lemon has retained Bryan Freedman – a litigator known for aggressively defending A-list clients.

Lemon’s contract with CNN reportedly runs through 2026, with roughly $20m (£16m) still to be paid, according to The New York Times.

Freedman’s past clients include Megyn Kelly, Kevin Spacey, FKA Twigs and Gabrielle Union.

Timing of Carlson and Lemon’s firings was a ‘crazy coincidence’

Monday 24 April 2023 21:01 , Tom Murray

Within hours of each other, it was announced that Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were losing their jobs.

Carlson was Fox News’ most popular prime-time host while Lemon had been a mainstay on CNN for 17 years.

“To be clear: Fox News did not know that CNN was terminating Don Lemon today and CNN did not know that Fox was ousting Tucker Carlson,” media reporter Brian Stelter tweeted. “This was a complete and crazy coincidence.”

Why were cable news hosts Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon ousted?

Monday 24 April 2023 20:35 , Tom Murray

Two media industry bombshells went off within minutes of each other on Monday 24 April, with two of the biggest names in the cable news business abruptly leaving their respective perches.

At Fox News, the conservative culture warrior Tucker Carlson is out after dominating the channel’s primetime lineup for more than a half decade. And at CNN, morning host Don Lemon’s tenure came to a sudden end despite his years as the face of the network’s New Year’s Eve celebration coverage.

Altogether it was a shocking day of shakeups for the news business, compounded by the news late last week that Pulitzer-winning newsroom BuzzFeed News was being shuttered by its owners.

Read more:

Why were cable news hosts Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon ousted?

Lemon’s Nikki Haley controversy explained

Monday 24 April 2023 20:07 , Tom Murray

Lemon’s firing comes two months after he faced intense scrutiny over comments he made about presidential candidate Nikki Haley. What exactly did he say? And how did the backlash unfold?

Read more here:

Don Lemon’s Nikki Haley controversy explained

CNN’s says Lemon’s statement is ‘inaccurate'

Monday 24 April 2023 19:52 , Tom Murray

The official CNN Communications account has shared a tweet suggesting that Lemon’s statement is “inaccurate”.

In his statement, Lemon claims that he was informed of his dismissal via his agent. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” he wrote.

In a new tweet, CNN claims Lemon was, in fact, invited to speak with management.

“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,” the statement reads.

The View hosts celebrate after learning Tucker Carlson is leaving Fox News

Monday 24 April 2023 19:15 , Tom Murray

The View hosts shared a joint reaction to the announcement of Fox News parting ways with its host Tucker Carlson.

Whoopi Goldberg relayed the information to the show’s studio audience and her fellow co-hosts during the daytime talk show’s Monday (24 April) broadcast.

“Wave,” she added, kicking off a Mexican Wave joined by fellow presenters, including Sunny Hostin.

Co-host Ana Navaro then proceeded to ask the audience to join her in singing Steam’s 1969 hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Me Goodbye”.

Read more:

The View hosts dance and sing after learning Tucker Carlson is leaving Fox News

Donald Trump rejoices in Don Lemon’s departure from CNN

Monday 24 April 2023 18:31 , Tom Murray

Trump wasted no time in reacting to the news of Lemon’s departure.

“Good News: ‘The dumbest man on television,’ Don Lemon, has finally been fired from Fake News CNN. My only question is, WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?” he wrote on his Twitter-clone Truth Social.

He has yet to comment on Tucker Carlson’s exit from Fox News.

Lemon’s axing came just hours after Fox parted ways with Tucker Carlson

Monday 24 April 2023 18:28 , Tom Murray

Two giants in the US media landscape lost their jobs today.

Controversial right-wing host Tucker Carlson was also ousted Monday after Fox News announced it would pay Dominion Voting Systems $787m to settle the latter’s defamation lawsuit.

Dominion sued Fox News for boosting lies that the ballot technology company participated in widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election.

Let the memes begin...

Lemon’s statement in full

Monday 24 April 2023 18:00 , Tom Murray

Lemon tweeted the news of his departure on Monday.

You can read his full, typed statement here: