In a surprising move, CNN fired Don Lemon Monday after he hosted the network’s morning show. Tuesday morning, anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins addressed Lemon’s exit while wishing him well.
“As you may have heard, CNN parted ways with Don Lemon,” Harlow said before reading a statement from CNN CEO Chris Licht.
“Don was a big part of the show over the last six months. He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show,” said Collins. “That’s something I’ll obviously never forget.”
“Don was one of my first friends here at CNN. I’m so thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support for nearly 15 years here, and I wish him all good things ahead,” Harlow added. “Kaitlan and I are really proud of this show. We are so proud of the dedicated team that works around the clock to bring you the news every morning, and our priority is you, the viewer, who gratefully welcomes us into your home each morning.”
Lemon hosted a primetime program for CNN before shifting to the network’s revamped morning show last year. However, the ratings for CNN This Morning have struggled to gain traction against competitors Fox & Friends and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
The 57-year-old Lemon had gone through a series of several high-profile issues since the move to mornings. He reportedly clashed with Harlow and Collins behind the scenes of the show, and was reported to have screamed at Collins during a commercial break of a November show that saw the anchor leave the set in tears. Lemon faced charges of “diva-like” behavior while working on the show.
It was also reported in recent days that guests had told bookers for the network they would rather appear on other CNN shows than the Lemon-hosted morning program.
