CNN anchor Don Lemon is reportedly considering legal action over a recent Variety article that claimed he has a history of mistreating female colleagues. The report alleges that Lemon, who has been under fire for making sexist comments on-air, has threatened and demeaned female colleagues, including Soledad O’Brien, Kyra Phillips, and Nancy Grace. A source close to Lemon stated that he has consulted with attorneys regarding a possible lawsuit against the entertainment publication. CNN has declined to comment on the matter.
According to Variety, Lemon has been disrespectful and “diva-like” towards female colleagues, with allegations including calling a female producer fat to her face, accusing O’Brien of not being black, and sending Phillips a menacing text message. CNN investigated the text, removed Lemon from co-anchoring duties alongside Phillips, and demoted him to weekends.
CNN defended Lemon, stating that the Variety article provided “no actual proof” and “instead relies on anonymous sources” and “unsubstantiated claims from 10 to 15 years ago.” The network also said it was “unable to corroborate the alleged accounts.” Lemon released a statement through a spokesperson, calling the article “riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence” and based on “unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip.”
Inside CNN, employees are reportedly tired of the negative press surrounding Lemon, who has been in the spotlight for various incidents, including chewing out “CNN This Morning” co-host Kaitlan Collins after a broadcast in December. The morning show reimagined under Lemon, Collins, and co-host Poppy Harlow, has struggled in ratings since its launch in November. Some staff members are frustrated that Lemon’s behavior makes the network the story instead of the news they report.
Whether Lemon will pursue legal action against Variety remains to be seen, but the allegations have spotlighted his past behavior towards female colleagues. The controversy also highlights workplace harassment and mistreatment of women, particularly in male-dominated media and entertainment.
