CNN has fired long-time news anchor Don Lemon. Lemon announced his termination on Twitter, writing, “I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.” The network responded with its own tweet saying, “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but released a statement on Twitter.” While the official reason for his firing has not been shared, some media outlets suggest that his sexist remarks regarding South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley damaged his reputation beyond repair.
Did CNN Fire Don Lemon For Sexist Remarks?
Lemon’s specific comment was in response to Haley saying that presidential candidates over the age of 75 should receive mental health examinations. The now-former CNN anchor reacted by saying that Haley, at age 51, was no longer “in her prime.” He went on to say, “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.” Colby Hall of NewsNation suggests the strong likelihood that Lemon’s remarks led to his firing, saying that his comment “stuck a dagger into the target viewer of cable news morning programming.” Hall said that Lemon told him in a conversation that he feared this was coming after his comments. Comments that offend a certain demographic often get media personalities in trouble, such as when Whoopi Goldberg was suspended from The View for problematic statements surrounding the Holocaust.
Other problems surrounding Lemon may also have contributed to his firing. Earlier this month, Variety reported on numerous allegations of Lemon being misogynistic. These allegations included malicious texts, diva-like behavior, and mocking female co-workers.
This is proving to be an interesting time for the media. Along with CNN firing Don Lemon, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is leaving the company after an inappropriate conduct investigation. Also, controversial political commentator Tucker Carlson has been let go from Fox News.
