…Researched and contributed by Henry George for TDPel Media.
Don Lemon, a veteran journalist, has been fired from CNN after 17 years of service, leaving him “stunned”.
His firing follows recent reports of alleged misogynistic behaviour.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Lemon revealed he was informed by his agent, and stated, “After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”
CNN responded to Lemon’s statement by saying that he was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.
Don Lemon, 57, is a TV journalist from Louisiana, US.
He became a host on the network in 2014 and presented Don Lemon Tonight until 2022.
He then co-hosted CNN This Morning until he was fired on Monday (April 24).
Misogyny Claims Surrounding Lemon
CNN has not shared the reasoning behind its decision to let Lemon go.
But his dismissal follows a string of controversies in recent months.
Earlier in April, a number of current or former CNN employees alleged that Lemon had behaved inappropriately.
A Variety article documented the alleged incidents, which Lemon’s representative dismissed as “15-year-old anonymous gossip”.
CNN said that it had been “unable to corroborate the alleged accounts”.
In February, Lemon faced a backlash for saying that US presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, “isn’t in her prime.”
In December 2022, Lemon was criticised for his comments on women’s pay in sports.
On CNN This Morning, he said, “I know everyone’s gonna hate me, but the men’s team makes more money.
If they make more money, then they should get more money.
The men’s team makes more money because you know what, because people are more interested in the men.”
Commentary:
Don Lemon’s firing from CNN has come amidst allegations of misogyny, leaving him in a state of disbelief.
CNN has not revealed the reason behind its decision to let him go, but it follows several controversies that have plagued Lemon in recent months.
This incident raises questions about the role of journalism and journalism ethics in a time when media figures are increasingly under scrutiny for their behaviour
. It also highlights the need for companies to have robust systems in place for dealing with allegations of misconduct and ensuring the safety of their employees.