After 17 years at CNN, Don Lemon, a prominent Black and queer anchor in prime-time cable news, announced on Monday that he had been fired by the Cable News Network. This shocking turn of events marked a significant fall from grace for the star anchor who had garnered a loyal following over the years. While the exact reasons behind his termination remain unclear, a series of troubling public and private accusations had been levied against him.
Lemon, who had previously anchored at NBC Chicago and worked as a correspondent for NBC News, including shows like “TODAY” and “NBC Nightly News,” had recently faced allegations of on-air sexism as well as serious gender-based harassment behind the scenes. The accusations of sexism seemed to stretch back to 2006, highlighting a pattern of behavior that had persisted over the years.
One notable incident that drew attention was Lemon’s comments about former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley on “CNN This Morning.” He suggested that women over the age of 50, including Haley, were past their prime. Following the controversy, Lemon acknowledged his mistake and expressed remorse. However, a subsequent Variety magazine story published allegations of sexism against him, although they have not been independently verified by NBC News.
In response to Variety’s report, a spokesperson for Lemon denounced the article as reckless and criticized its reliance on unsourced, unsubstantiated, and anonymous gossip from 15 years ago. CNN had previously suspended Lemon for his remarks about Haley and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. However, the decision to terminate him came amid a viral interview in which Lemon pushed back against conservative presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s false claims about the civil rights movement. This sequence of events raised questions about the racial dynamics at play, as a Black queer journalist like Lemon confronted falsehoods while being miscast as “the angry Black man.”
Previously: Don Lemon Fired by CNN, Dispute Over Details
Lemon’s impact on cable TV viewers, particularly among Black audiences, cannot be denied. He brought not only the news but also his charismatic personality to the screen. His viral moments, such as the laughter-filled exchange with guests Marc Lamont Hill and Angela Rye, showcased his ability to engage viewers. Lemon’s annual appearances at CNN’s New Year’s Eve celebration became highly anticipated, and his willingness to be candid and spontaneous made him a must-see TV personality.
Lemon’s legacy was hard-earned through his willingness to connect with the news he reported. He shared personal experiences, such as growing up with colorism in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which added depth and context to stories about internalized racism. He fearlessly tackled controversial topics, as demonstrated when he directly called out former President Donald Trump’s racist remarks on certain countries. Despite some viewing his transformation into a more hard-hitting interviewer during President Barack Obama’s administration as opportunistic, Lemon’s ability to challenge guests from both sides of the aisle distinguished him in an increasingly partisan media landscape.
However, despite his charisma and the impact he had on viewers, reports suggest that Lemon’s female colleagues had been lodging complaints about him for years. The decision to keep him employed despite these allegations raises concerns about the treatment of women within the industry. Furthermore, his termination shortly after confronting a conservative individual’s false claims about the NRA’s advocacy for Black people sends an unfortunate message, particularly to women and Black individuals.
The news of Don Lemon‘s departure from CNN has ignited controversy and prompted reflections on his complex legacy. While he faced accusations of sexism and gender-based harassment, his role as a prominent Black and queer anchor calling out racism had resonated with many. The circumstances surrounding his firing, coupled with his prior contributions, raise important questions about media executives’ willingness to embrace those who challenge racism and confront falsehoods. The situation serves as a reminder of the work that remains in creating an inclusive and equitable media landscape.