Two months after he was fired from CNN, Don Lemon hinted that the network let him go as a result of he wasn’t in fascinated about “platforming liars” on his present.
“I’ve a duty — not solely as a journalist, however as an American — to inform the reality and to abide by the guarantees of the Structure,” the reporter, 57, stated on Saturday, June 24, throughout his first sit-down interview since his CNN exit. “As a result of the Structure says ‘a extra good union’ — not ‘an ideal union.’ I’m not an ideal individual. Nobody is. With the intention to fulfill the promise of the Structure, we have now to face up for what is true. We have now to face up for the reality.”
Lemon didn’t point out his former employer by title within the interview with ABC’s Memphis affiliate, however he hinted that he and his bosses didn’t see eye-to-eye about who needs to be featured on the community.
“I don’t consider in platforming liars and bigots and, you realize, insurrectionists and election deniers and placing them on the identical footing as people who find themselves telling the reality, people who find themselves combating for what’s proper, people who find themselves abiding by the Structure,” Lemon continued. “I believe that might be a dereliction of journalistic responsibility to do these kinds of issues. That’s what has gotten me so far and that’s what will carry me ahead.”
He went on to say that he doesn’t know what’s subsequent for him career-wise however is proud to have held true to his private beliefs. “To know that I’m doing the best factor, that I’m standing up and abiding by the Structure, which my career calls for that I do as a result of we’re listed within the First Modification of the Structure — which is freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Lemon stated. “I’m simply being me and I’m being trustworthy.”
Lemon was fired from his longtime role at CNN on April 24. In an announcement shared by way of Twitter, he claimed that he discovered the information by his agent moderately than anybody on the community.
“I’m surprised. After 17 years at CNN I’d have thought that somebody in administration would have had the decency to inform me straight. At no time was I ever given any indication that I’d not have the ability to proceed to do the work I’ve cherished on the community,” he wrote. “It’s clear that there are some bigger points at play. With that stated, I wish to thank my colleagues and the various groups I’ve labored with for an unbelievable run. They’re probably the most gifted journalists within the enterprise, and I want all of them one of the best.”
CNN, nonetheless, disputed Lemon’s account of his firing in an announcement shared by way of the official Twitter account for the community’s communication workforce. “Don Lemon’s assertion about this morning’s occasions is inaccurate,” learn the assertion. “He was supplied a possibility to fulfill with administration however as an alternative launched an announcement on Twitter.”
Don Lemon attends CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute on December 11, 2022 in New York Metropolis. Picture Picture Press/Shutterstock
Lemon’s departure got here after a sequence of controversial feedback he made on CNN This Morning, which he cohosted with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins (each of whom are still on the show). In February, he was briefly taken off the air following a sexist comment about former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” he stated whereas discussing Haley’s suggestion that politicians over age 75 needs to be topic to psychological competency exams. “When a girl is taken into account to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and perhaps her 40s.”
He apologized for his feedback by way of Twitter shortly after the printed, writing: “The reference I made to a girl’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and family members have identified, and I remorse it. A lady’s age doesn’t outline her both personally or professionally. I’ve numerous ladies in my life who show that day-after-day.”
Two months later, Lemon discovered himself in sizzling water once more after a conflict with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Throughout a heated a debate over the Civil Battle and the Second Modification, Lemon informed Ramaswamy, 37, that his arguments about Black People had been “insulting” and incorrect.
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Days later, The New York Instances reported that the alternate left CNN higher-ups “exasperated” and performed a task in Lemon’s departure from the community.
