CNN host Don Lemon has announced his resignation from the network after a controversial tenure of 17 years, confirmed by both his agent and CNN president Chris Licht. In a memo to CNN workers, Licht stated that "CNN and Don have parted ways," wishing Lemon well in his future endeavors.
Lemon's departure followed reports from Kanishka Singh, Jasper Ward, and Susan Heavey in Washington about accusations of misogynistic comments and threatening behavior towards co-workers. Though offered an opportunity to meet with management, Lemon opted instead to release a statement on Twitter declaring that he had been fired.
As one of their prime-time lineup co-hosts for eight years before moving into morning television as part of "CNN This Morning" alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins for six months, Lemon gained notoriety as a fierce political commentator during his time at the network. However, tensions rose internally due to remarks made in February regarding women and aging perceived widely as sexist.
Despite these controversies surrounding Lemon's departure from the company, CEO Chris Licht insisted that he would remain part of the CNN family forevermore: "We are grateful for Don's contributions over the past 17 years." The decision also comes after two rival networks saw departures from two superstar hosts on the same day.
While acknowledging some friction between staff members caused by what some interpret as diva-like behavior—particularly berating female cohosts or storming off set—Licht affirmed their commitment to maintaining success with "CNN This Morning."
Though no longer directly associated with CNN programming going forward, it is clear that Don Lemon has left an indelible mark on media history through both accomplishments achieved within its ranks as well as igniting discussion around workplace conduct among high-profile personalities like himself.