Don Lemon was fired from CNN on April 24, 2023, after 17 years with the network, amid a series of on-air controversies and reports of misogynistic behavior.

Key Controversies

Lemon's departure followed backlash over specific comments and patterns:

  • In February 2023, he remarked on CNN that Nikki Haley, then 51, was "past her prime" for a presidential run, solely because she wasn't in her "childbearing years," prompting an on-air apology.
  • Reports emerged of alleged decades-long misogyny, including past statements like advising a Bill Cosby accuser on avoiding assault by not performing oral sex, for which he later apologized.
  • Broader issues included difficulty booking guests willing to appear with him and declining viewer popularity, as noted by The New York Times.

CNN's Official Stance

CNN's then-CEO Chris Licht stated simply that Lemon and the network had "parted ways," with no detailed public explanation at the time.

Lemon called the firing a surprise, claiming he wasn't informed in person (which CNN denied), though his contract ran until 2026 and he reportedly received compensation post-exit.

It coincided with Fox News firing Tucker Carlson that same day, fueling media speculation.

Lemon's Perspective

In later interviews, like one on VladTV, Lemon described initial shock turning to relief amid CNN's changes, feeling targeted by media efforts to ruin his reputation.

He emphasized ongoing payment under contract and optimism for his future, pivoting to independent work like his YouTube show criticizing President Trump.

Multiple Viewpoints

  • Critics' take : Forums like Reddit questioned if it was purely controversies or ratings/network shifts; some saw it as overdue for his "screeds" and bias.
  • Supporters' view : Lemon framed it as a "cultural fraud" by CNN pretending neutrality while sidelining diverse guest views.
  • Neutral analysis : Outlets like People and Forbes timeline his "fall from grace" as cumulative missteps after Don Lemon Tonight peaked.

Post-Firing Update

By 2026, Lemon's career evolved to "The Don Lemon Show" on YouTube (1M followers), but he faced arrest on Jan. 30 after live-streaming an anti-ICE church protest in Minnesota—highlighting his shift to confrontational independent journalism.

TL;DR : Fired for misogyny allegations, sexist remarks (e.g., Nikki Haley "past her prime"), guest booking woes, and falling ratings—no single "smoking gun," but a buildup.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.