Don Lemon

Don Lemon Rips CNN After Being Let Go

by

Don Lemon has proven to be a very controversial figure over at CNN. According to numerous reports, there have been some allegations of misconduct from the news anchor. Additionally, he was recently suspended for his comments about Nikki Haley. Overall, Lemon was becoming a bit of a liability for the network. However, they never made any indication that his job might be in jeopardy. Although now, things have changed drastically. According to Lemon himself, he has been fired by CNN.

This comes on the exact same day that Tucker Carlson was fired by Fox News. When it comes to Carlson, no one actually knows the reason for his termination. However, in the case of Don Lemon, it seems a bit more cut and dry. Regardless, Lemon is very unhappy with this new development. In a statement released on Twitter, Lemon went in on the network and its executives. Simply put, he did not expect to be let go in this manner.

Don Lemon Speaks

“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,” Lemon said. “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. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”

For both CNN and Fox News, this is a changing of the guard that no one really expected. However, there are plenty of people looking to take Lemon and Carlson’s jobs. If you are a political media nerd, then this might be the biggest day of your life. Let us know your thoughts on this news, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the world.

Don Lemon Allegedly Slights Jon Stewart On Hot Mic

by

Embattled CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing more controversy. Lemon had created a likeable image for himself during his time with the network. However, his reputation has taken a beating in 2023. Lemon was lambasted in February for sexist comments he made about presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Additionally, an article was released last week detailing Lemon’s alleged history of abuse towards CNN colleagues. Now, Lemon is accused of criticizing comedian and political commentator Jon Stewart on a hot mic.

TMZ reports that the latest incident happened during CNN Morning on Monday. Lemon threw to a story of Stewart interviewing U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. During the interview, Stewart passionately derided what he considered waste by the DOD. “I can’t figure out how $850 billion to a department means that the rank and file still have to be on food stamps. To me, that’s f***ing corruption.” While the clip aired, Lemon could be heard talking to his co-anchors. “He gets a lot of leeway with the comedian thing, though,” he said. Evidently, Lemon didn’t realize his microphone was still on. After an awkward silence, Lemon attempted to clarify his thoughts on Stewart. “He’s so much more than a comedian,” he said.

Commenters Come to Jon Stewart’s Defense

Many commenters have called Lemon’s comments inappropriate. Moreover, many have pointed out that Stewart has done much more than just tell jokes. Stewart hosted the “Daily Show” for 16 years. The show combined humor with Stewart’s usual hard-hitting political commentary. Stewart has also spent much of his post-Daily Show career supporting military veterans. The show was so popular that it became many people’s primary source of news. Additionally, he has lobbied congress for greater support for 9/11 first responders.

For Don Lemon and CNN, this latest gaffe is an unwelcome event. Slumping ratings have been a cause for concern at the network. Additionally, the network is still recovering from the 2021 firing of former anchor Chris Cuomo. Cuomo’s unamicable split from the network is still fresh in the memory for many. Subsequently, many have wondered if Lemon will be the next anchor out the door. Lemon’s controversies have placed him firmly on the hot seat. We will see going forward if he is able to weather the storm.

[Via]

Don Lemon Is Accused of Threatening A CNN Colleague

by

CNN This Morning host Don Lemon is facing more controversy. Lemon has been a CNN mainstay since 2006. For most of his time at the network, he has maintained a squeaky-clean image. However, a string of recent incidents has put that image in doubt. The embattled anchor found himself in a media storm earlier this year for comments he made about Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley. During a segment on the show, Lemon remarked that the 51-year-old former South Carolina Governor was “out of her Prime.” The remarks led to Lemon’s brief absence from the network. He was also ordered to sensitivity training.

According to a new Variety article, Lemon allegedly engaged in a pattern of threatening and inappropriate behavior involving multiple CNN colleagues. The article alleges that Lemon was disrespectful to CNN host Nancy Grace on air. He also allegedly claimed during an editorial meeting that Soledad O’Brien, who is of white and Afro-Cuban heritage, isn’t black. However, the worst of the allegations involve Lemon’s former CNN “Live From” co-host Kyra Phillips.

Damaging Texts Allegedly Traced Back To Lemon

Don Lemon
Don Lemon attends the 16th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History on December 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN)

The article claims Lemon was angry that Phillips landed a role covering the Iraq war, a job he allegedly wanted. This allegedly led to Lemon ripping up photos that were on Phillip’s desk. The article goes on to allege that when Phillips returned from Iraq, she received a threatening text message from an unknown phone number. One of the texts allegedly read “Now you’ve crossed the line, and you’re going to pay for it.” After an investigation by CNN management, the text was allegedly traced back to Lemon.

Other CNN staffers told Variety that Lemon annoyed them with “diva like behavior.” This allegedly included not attending editorial calls and showing up late to the newsroom. Another allegation involved Lemon’s CNN colleague Anderson Cooper. The article alleges that Lemon complained that Cooper received more airtime during the network’s coverage of Michael Jackson’s funeral in 2009. Lemon is the first CNN anchor to face controversy in recent memory. Former anchor Chris Cuomo was fired by the network in 2021. Time will tell if Lemon will face the same fate.

[Via]

Don Lemon Ignores Michelle Yeoh’s Apparent Diss While Discussing Oscars

by

Don Lemon skipped right over Michelle Yeoh’s apparent jab at him while reflecting on the 95th Academy Awards on Monday morning on CNN. The Everything Everywhere All at Once star seemed to be referencing Lemon’s controversial comments on women being past their “prime” while accepting the award for Best Actress.

“A huge night for Asians and Asian Americans,” Lemon said of the Oscars results. “With all of the anti-Asian hate that has been going on in the country, especially since COVID, I thought it was a really important and reaffirming moment for Asian Americans. I hope that, you know, they feel it in this country and that everyone does.”

Michelle Yeoh On Stage At The Oscars

TOPSHOT – Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

While on stage at the ceremony, Yeoh began her speech: “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that … dream big, and dreams do come true. And, ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.” Yeoh also took the time to thank her 84-year-old mother during the speech. Everything Everywhere All at Once went on to win Best Picture and several other awards throughout the night.

Lemon made his original remark on CNN This Morning while discussing Nikki Haley’s announcement that she intends to run for president in 2024. “This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable,” Lemon said in February. “I think it’s the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians or something are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.” CNN later temporarily pulled him off the air for the comment and he’s since apologized.

Michelle Yeoh’s Acceptance Speech

[Via]

Michelle Yeoh Throws Apparent Shot At Don Lemon With Oscars Speech

by

Michelle Yeoh took a shot at CNN‘s Don Lemon during her acceptance speech for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night. She was honored for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. While holding the Oscar on stage, Yeoh told the women in the audience to never let someone tell them they’re past their “prime.” Lemon had been headlines, earlier this year, by remarking that politician Nikki Haley is no longer in her “prime.

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” she began her acceptance speech. “This is proof that … dream big, and dreams do come true. And, ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime.”

Michelle Yeoh At The Oscars

Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Annual Academy Awards Governors Ball held at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

Lemon made his original remark on CNN This Morning while discussing Haley’s announcement that she intends to run for president in 2024. “This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable,” Lemon said in February. “I think it’s the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians or something are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”

As for the rest of Yeoh’s speech, she dedicated the win to her 84-year-old mother. “I have to dedicate this to my mom [and] all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes, and without them none of us would be here tonight,” she said. “She’s 84. I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia … with my family and friends: I love you guys! I’m bringing this home to you.” She also thanked her “extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so I can be here today.” In addition to Yeoh winning Best Actress, Everything Everywhere All at Once also took home Best Picture.

Michelle Yeoh’s Speech

[Via]

Don Lemon Returning To CNN After Sexist Remarks, Will Undergo Training

by

CNN This Morning host Don Lemon faced backlash last Thursday (February 16th) after commentating on Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age. The 56-year-old news anchor has been absent from the show and has participated in “formal training,” according to People. The network has announced that Lemon will be returning on-air this week. The controversy initially transpired after Lemon remarked that Haley was “past her prime.”

During a conversation with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, the trio discussed the former governor of South Carolina’s previous claim that politicians above 75 years old should be forced to take a mental competency test. Initially, Lemon commented on how the conversation about age made him “uncomfortable.” However, he was quick to add in his two bits by saying, “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in her 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”

Lemon Publicizes Apology On Twitter

Correspondingly, Lemon received criticism for his “sexist” and “ageist” remarks. Soon after, the TV journalist took to Twitter to issue an apology. “The reference I made to a woman’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it,” he wrote. “A woman’s age doesn’t define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.”

People also reported that the network chairman Chris Licht had personally discussed the issue with Lemon, as revealed by a memo released to CNN‘s staff. The same statement announced Lemon’s upcoming return to CNN This Morning. It read, “he has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously. It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes.”

Lemon’s Controversial Comments

According to the Times, Lemon also issued an apology to his CNN colleagues, stating, “I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt anyone. I did not mean to offend anyone.” Following his several-day hiatus, Lemon will return to CNN This Morning tomorrow (February 22nd). For more updates to circulating controversies, don’t forget to check out HNHH.

[Via][Via]

Don Lemon To Miss Monday’s CNN Show After Sexist Remark

by

Don Lemon will be absent from Monday’s episode of CNN This Morning, after making a sexist remark in reference to Nikki Haley, last week. Lemon had been speaking with co-anchor Poppy Harlow about Haley’s candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential election and said that “a woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.” When Harlow asked Lemon to clarify what he meant, he replied: “If you Google ‘when is a woman in her prime,’ it’ll say 20s, 30s, and 40s.”

Lemon later apologized for the comment in a tweet posted on Thursday night. “The reference I made to a woman’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it,” he wrote. “A woman’s age doesn’t define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.” Lemon further apologized on an editorial call with staffers the next morning. “I’m sorry that I said it,” Lemon said. “And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided. When I make a mistake, I own it. And I own this one as well.”

Don Lemon’s Apology

On the same call, CNN CEO Chris Licht labeled the comments “disappointing.” He said: “His remarks were upsetting, unacceptable, and unfair to his co-hosts, and ultimately a huge distraction to the great work of this organization.” Additionally, a person familiar with the matter told Confider: “There are ongoing conversations about Don’s future. He is a constant distraction.” Nikki Haley responded to Lemon’s comments on Twitter: “To be clear, I am NOT calling for competency tests for Sexist middle-aged CNN anchors; only for people who make our laws and are 75+.” Haley had called for competency tests for politicians over 75 years old during her candidacy announcement on Wednesday.

Don Lemon joined CNN in September 2006. At the network, he served as the host of Don Lemon Tonight from 2014 to 2022. He’s previously won an Edward R. Murrow Award as well as three regional Emmy Awards. For now, he hosts CNN This Morning alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.

[Via]