The acrimonious exchange between former CNN anchor Don Lemon and a Republican presidential candidate may have led to his dismissal.
The anchor had a contentious exchange with Vivek Ramaswamy last week, which evidently left some network executives “exasperated,” according to The New York Times. In recent weeks, CNN executives hoped that Mr. Lemon would adapt to his new morning show role and that this would result in higher ratings.
On Wednesday, however, Mr. Lemon again made headlines following a highly contentious on-air exchange with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. As the men argued vehemently about Black history and the Second Amendment, the segment deteriorated; Mr. Lemon’s co-anchor Ms. Harlow could be seen seated silently beside him, occasionally averting her gaze and scrolling through her smartphone.
People stated that several CNN executives were frustrated by the incident.
“I think that any network that wants to foster open debate should embrace that principle by not restricting what someone can say or saying what someone can say is restricted based on their skin color. And I think they made the right decision here,” the Republican candidate said to Fox News.
“I’ve been working very hard over the last three years, over three years, really trying to transform corporate culture in this country to embrace true diversity of thought. And I think that’s going to be better for companies, I think it’s going to be better for the country and we’re slowly starting to see the fruits of those efforts,” he said.
“This is also why I, unlike many other people in my position, go out of my way to engage in dialogue with those who disagree with me, including networks outside of conservative media, because I think it’s important to air what otherwise are the hypocrisies that don’t get aired. And I think good things happen when hypocrisies are aired if you have good leaders who are willing to act based on that,” he said.
Don Lemon, a former CNN host, threw a tantrum on Twitter after claiming that his agent informed him that he had been fired, but CNN promptly responded.
As he disparaged his former employer, the former host implied that he believed there were additional issues at play.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,” the former host said. “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,” he said.
“It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” he said before thanking his colleagues.
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
However, CNN public relations contested the former host’s account of the events.
“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,” it 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.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023
On his CNN morning program, the two women with whom he had conflicts briefly mentioned him before moving on.
More on this story via Conservative Brief:
“We do begin, though, with news about this show. As you may have heard yesterday, CNN parted ways with anchor Don Lemon. In a statement, CNN CEO Chris Licht thanked Don for his contributions over the past 17 years, writing in part, ‘Don will forever be a part of the CNN family. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.’” Poppy Harlow said. CONTINUE READING…
