CNN anchor Don Lemon has been fired by the network after accusations of misogynistic behavior and making inappropriate remarks on-air. Lemon expressed his shock and disappointment on Twitter and called his dismissal “unfair”. He was most recently a co-host of CNN’s morning show, but faced criticism for his comments about former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, in which he said she was not “in her prime”.
Lemon had issued a statement apologizing for his “inartful and irrelevant” remarks and agreed to partake in “mandatory training” to address the incident. However, the remarks sparked widespread criticism, including from actress Michelle Yeoh, who appeared to reference the comments in her Oscar’s acceptance speech last month, saying: “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”
Lemon’s reputation was further clouded by a report from Variety earlier in April, which detailed accusations of misogynistic behaviour toward his CNN colleagues. He called a producer fat to her face, Variety reported, mocked and mimicked one colleague and allegedly sent threatening texts to another.
Lemon’s dismissal comes after another major US media departure as Fox News announced it was parting ways with primetime host Tucker Carlson. After Lemon’s comments about Haley, CNN producers discovered guests did not want to appear on the show with Lemon. The show has struggled with ratings in recent months, lagging behind Fox’s Fox & Friends and MSNBC’s Morning Joe. CNN This Morning will continue with Lemon’s former co-hosts, Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, the network said.
Source: BBC
