Don Lemon is on CNN.
CNN said on Monday that it was parting ways with Lemon, the star anchor who was a regular in the network’s primetime line-up.
“CNN and Don have parted ways,” the network said in a statement Monday. “Don will forever be part of the CNN family and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him the best of luck and support him in his future endeavors.”
The network said Lemon’s morning show, which he hosted alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, will continue. CNN said, “‘CNN This Morning’ has been on the air for nearly six months and is working towards its success.
Mr. Lemmon, 57, aired Monday morning as usual.
“I was informed by my agent this morning that I have been fired from CNN,” Lemon said in a statement posted on Twitter. “I’m stunned. After 17 years at CNN, he would have thought someone in management would have the decency to speak directly to me. I’d like to continue doing the work I’ve loved on the network.” There was never a sign that I couldn’t do it.”
One of CNN’s most famous stars, Lemon earned a reputation as an ardent political commentator during his eight years as a primetime anchor. But within the network, she began to fall out of favor after she made remarks in February about women and aging that were widely perceived as sexist. The incident sparked a national uproar and a rare public rebuke from CNN chairman Chris Licht.
Lemon argued on-air that 51-year-old Republican presidential nominee Nikki Haley is “unfortunately not in her prime,” adding that “women are thought to be in their prime in their 20s and 30s.” And maybe 40’s. He dismissed the female co-host’s objections by replying, “I’m just stating what the facts are — Google it.” He later apologized to his CNN Newsroom and agreed to a corporate training program to deal with his on-air behavior.
Allies of Mr. Lemon wanted him to turn the page from the case. But CNN executives gradually concluded that his future at CNN was no longer acceptable, according to two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the internal discussions were sensitive.
In recent weeks, CNN bookers have found some guests unwilling to appear on broadcasts with Mr. Lemmon, and a survey on the morning show reviewed by CNN executives found that viewers It has found its popularity to be declining, one of the people said.
Monday’s announcement capped a dramatic decline for Mr. Lemmon, who was happily sitting in his primetime anchor chair just seven months ago. ‘ has won over fans with his edgy and no-punch commentary on politics and Trump’s White House.
Lemon imported that persona onto “CNN This Morning,” but many viewers who make breakfast or drop the kids off to school wanted a lighthearted patter rather than a thunderous monologue. The hour I was there was awkward.
Tensions also arose between Lemon and one of his co-hosts, Collins. In December, the “CNN This Morning” crew was shaken after a backstage incident in which Lemon accused Collins of frequently disturbing her.
