According to a report from The New York Times, Don Lemon is exiting CNN.
“CNN and Don have parted ways,” the network said in a statement on Monday. “Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
On Twitter, Lemon shared he was fired.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN,” Lemon said in the tweet. “I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network.”
CNN has pushed back on Lemon’s claim that he was not told directly about his departure.
“Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter,” a tweet from CNN’s PR department read.
Lemon was a fixture in the network’s primetime lineup before moving to the network’s new morning show, CNN This Morning, late last year. The program has struggled to gain viewers. However, the network says it remains “committed” to the show’s success.
The 57-year-old Lemon became embroiled in controversy earlier this year when he claimed 51-year-old Nikki Haley was “past her prime” after she announced her presidential campaign. Lemon was removed from CNN This Morning for two days after his comments. CNN CEO Chris Licht said he would undergo “formal training” after his comments.
After the strong reaction to Lemon’s comments, reports surfaced of behind-the-scenes tension with his CNN This Morning co-anchors Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
A report from Variety claimed Lemon had been “diva-like” and disrespectful to female colleagues. In response, Lemon considered legal action against the publication.
