
Former CNN anchor and drama queen Don Lemon reportedly agreed to receive around $24.5 million on Monday to break away from the left-wing news network.
According to The Wrap, the 57-year-old agreed to the huge settlement, which equals the amount he would have received if he were still employed for the remaining three and a half years of his contract.
Lemon was terminated by CNN last April after briefly switching from prime time to being a morning show co-host with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Of course, being the flamboyant person he is, Lemon decided to share the news of his firing on social media, stating that he was blindsided by the decision.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN,” Lemon wrote. “I am stunned after 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have 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. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
CNN countered Lemon’s claim, making an X post regarding the situation.
“Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate,” the network tweeted. “He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”
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.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023
Lemon is no stranger to controversy in his 17-year career with CNN. While the network has not mentioned it, many speculate that Lemon’s undoing was his remarks about former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley last February when he suggested that she was “past her prime,” sparking outrage.
Don Lemon: "Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry, when a woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, and 30s, and maybe 40s…"
Poppy Harlow: "Are you talking about prime for like child bearing?"
"Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just saying what the facts are! Google it!" pic.twitter.com/n1HmtkWTpl
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 16, 2023
He was terminated two months later.
Lemon has also gotten into trouble with his co-workers. In Dec. 2022, Lemon screamed at his co-anchor Collins after going off-air for supposedly interrupting him on-air, according to the New York Post.
While CNN bid goodbye to Lemon, X owner Elon Musk welcomed Lemon to join the platform, announcing in January that the news host would have his own show exclusively to X, “The Don Lemon Show.”
We’re delighted to announce a new content partnership with @DonLemon for his new project, The Don Lemon Show. The award winning TV journalist will share his unique and honest voice in 30 minute episodes, three times a week, covering politics, culture, sports and entertainment.…
— Business (@XBusiness) January 9, 2024