Former CNN anchor Don Lemon unleashed scathing criticism of his former employer following his acrimonious departure from the network’s New York headquarters in April 2023. This split ended his 17-year career and resulted in a multimillion-dollar settlement from CNN, marked by accusations, denials, and public attacks.
“Big TV networks and their executives don’t like big mouth, sort of middle or left-leaning people,” Lemon declared in a recent interview, accusing networks of systematically silencing voices like his. “They find ways to get rid of them,” he added, directing his ire at traditional media leadership.
Lemon’s final controversy at CNN erupted when he claimed Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, at age 51, was “not in her prime.” The February 2023 comment sparked immediate backlash, a formal rebuke from CNN’s leadership, and contributed to his dismissal two months later. While Lemon characterized his termination as unexpected, CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht maintained they had offered him an opportunity to meet with management before deciding.
A comprehensive Variety investigation exposed years of workplace tensions. Multiple sources described incidents involving female colleagues, including an internal investigation into alleged threatening text messages sent to former co-anchor Kyra Phillips. The report documented accusations of Lemon mocking fellow anchors Nancy Grace and Soledad O’Brien on air, making disparaging comments about their appearances, and destroying office property in fits of anger. Despite these controversies, Lemon’s position remained secure under former CNN president Jeff Zucker’s leadership, which ended in February 2022.
In late 2022, CNN moved Lemon from his prime-time slot to co-host “CNN This Morning” alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. The transition proved turbulent. In February 2023, Lemon allegedly “screamed” at Collins off-camera following a disagreement over interruptions during an interview, resulting in network management ordering him to take a day off to “cool off.” The show struggled with declining ratings and difficulties booking high-profile guests.
His position further deteriorated after a December 2022 broadcast where he declared that men’s soccer was “more interesting to watch” than women’s soccer, drawing immediate on-air rebukes from his co-hosts. A subsequent confrontational interview with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy intensified concerns about his on-air conduct and ability to maintain objectivity.
CNN settled with Lemon in February 2024 following months of negotiations. While specific terms remain confidential, financial reports indicate the network agreed to pay his full salary for the remaining 3.5 years of his contract, amounting to approximately $24.5 million.
Following CNN, Lemon launched two YouTube shows, “Live at Five” and “Hot Topics at 10,” embracing a more casual format from his home studio. His subsequent venture, “The Don Lemon Show” on X, ended abruptly when platform owner Elon Musk canceled the partnership, leading Lemon to file legal action.
Lemon’s termination aligned with broader changes at CNN under new leadership. Network executives determined his position had become untenable following repeated controversies and their impact on advertising revenue. In the first quarter of 2023, “CNN This Morning” averaged just 359,000 viewers, significantly behind its competitors.
