Don Lemon fired by CNN after 17 years

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 24 2023 | 19:11

Last updated: April 25 2023 | 12:14

Don Lemon says that he is "stunned" after being fired by CNN amid accusations of misogynistic comments.

Don Lemon has revealed that he has been fired by CNN after 17 years with the broadcaster.

In a post on Twitter, the 57-year-old said that he was "stunned" to have been relayed the news via his agent, just hours after he had come off the air on Monday morning.

Over the last few months Lemon had been the subject of accusations of sexism and misogyny following a series of on-air comments, including one exchange with his female co-hosts where he stated that a presidential candidate was not "in her prime" at the age of 51.

Lemon wrote: "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 someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.

"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 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."

A CNN spokesperson said: "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."

Lemon joined CNN in 2006, stepping up to primetime in 2014 before moving to the breakfast show last November.