Don Lemon, a longtime host for CNN, has left the network. The media sector was shocked by the announcement that was made on Monday without any justification.
In a memo to staff, CNN CEO Chris Licht said: "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 support him in his endeavors in the future.
Together with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, Lemon served as the host of "CNN This Morning". The program has been broadcast for almost six months.
Regarding the morning show, Licht stated, "We are dedicated to its success." Lemon claimed in a statement that his agent informed him Monday morning that CNN had fired him.
Lemon exclaimed, "I am stunned," claiming that management lacked "the decency" to tell him directly that he had been let go. I never received any warning that I wouldn't be able to carry on with the work I've loved at the network, Lemon continued.
CNN called Lemon's account "inaccurate." “He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter,” the network said.
Lemon joined CNN September 2006. Lemon hosted "Don Lemon Tonight" for eight years before joining CNN. During Donald Trump's presidency, he became famous for calling him a "racist" and calling out his lies.
In February, his sexist remarks on "CNN This Morning" were widely criticized. Lemon said 51-year-old Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley "isn't in her prime" while discussing her proposal to test older politicians' competency.
Lemon said women are only “considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.” Lemon persisted after Harlow and Collins rebutted.