Don Lemon Slams Major Networks in Scathing Interview, Claims Systematic Silencing After CNN Departure

New York, NY — Don Lemon, the high-profile journalist and former CNN anchor, has openly criticized his previous network after a turbulent departure that ended his 17-year association this April. His exit followed a storm of controversy and resulted in a substantial financial settlement.

Lemon’s recent remarks shed light on what he perceives as an unfavorable environment for outspoken liberal voices within major television networks. During an interview, Lemon expressed his frustration, accusing these networks of finding ways to silence voices like his. “Big TV networks and their executives don’t like big mouth, sort of middle or left-leaning people,” Lemon said. He inferred that such entities systematically push out personalities who do not align strictly with their preferred narratives.

The catalyst for Lemon’s departure was a February 2023 incident where he commented on air that Nikki Haley, a 51-year-old Republican presidential candidate, was “not in her prime.” The statement drew sharp criticism, an official reprimand from the CNN leadership, and noticeably contributed to the network’s decision to terminate his contract two months later. Chris Licht, CNN’s Chairman and CEO at the time, noted that Lemon had the opportunity to discuss his fate with management before the final decision.

An investigation into the internal dynamics at CNN pointed to long-standing tensions between Lemon and his colleagues. Sources revealed multiple disputes involving female colleagues and a recorded history of conflicts, including purported threatening messages sent to former co-anchor Kyra Phillips. His on-air behavior toward anchors such as Nancy Grace and Soledad O’Brien, which included derogatory comments, and episodes of damaging office property were noted incidents that surprisingly did not affect his position under the leadership of former CNN president Jeff Zucker.

Further straining his relationship with the network, Lemon was moved in late 2022 from his prime-time slot to co-host the morning show alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. This transition did not go smoothly, leading to increased on-air spats and diminishing viewer ratings. Reports indicate Lemon once had an intense off-camera argument with Collins, after which management asked him to take a day to “cool off.”

His on-air judgment further came under scrutiny following a December 2022 comment about men’s soccer being more interesting than women’s, which sparked immediate counterpoints from co-hosts live on-air.

In February 2023, CNN and Lemon reached a settlement, reportedly resulting in Lemon receiving his full three-and-a-half-year contract salary, estimated at $24.5 million. Post-CNN, Lemon ventured into digital content creation with the launch of two YouTube shows from his home studio, although his attempt to expand to other platforms was cut short following a brief partnership with X, owned by Elon Musk.

Lemon’s sharp fall from grace at CNN coincides with broader transformations at the network aimed at revamping its programming and recovering from slumping ratings and decreased advertising revenues. His show, amidst the turmoil, struggled significantly to attract viewers, averaging only 359,000 viewers in early 2023 and performed poorly compared to its direct competitors.

Lemon’s career trajectory and recent activities post-CNN highlight ongoing debates about media biases, the tolerance of divergent views in mainstream American newsrooms, and the impact of personality-driven controversies on journalistic careers. As he navigates his new path, the industry watches closely, pondering the implications of his outspoken nature on the evolution of media narratives and personalities.