Cable information anchors like these at CNN and Fox Information are well-known for voicing strongly worded opinions on all issues political. Nonetheless, when their feedback cross over into different matters, that may result in huge hassle behind the scenes, and that appears to be the case for longtime CNN journalist Don Lemon. The host issued an apology for saying on February 16 that Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley “isn’t in her prime,” drawing protests from his co-hosts and most people alike. Lemon has been absent from CNN This Morning since making the sexist feedback, so is his future with CNN in jeopardy?
It’s unknown at this level what long-term results Don Lemon’s feedback may have on his profession, however The Wrap reviews that the anchor’s absence from CNN This Morning on Friday, February 17 was a scheduled time off. Following the backlash from his musings on former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s age, Lemon “selected to increase his trip time via the Presidents Day vacation.” It’s unknown if a return date has been mentioned.
Don Lemon has been with CNN since 2006 and serves as a co-anchor on the community’s morning present alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. Through the February 16 broadcast, Lemon spoke concerning the 2024 presidential hopeful, who’s 51, in response to Nikki Haley’s name for psychological competency exams for politicians older than 75.
His suggestion that Nikki Haley was not “in her prime” drew instant pushback from Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, however the host tried to defend his assertion by invoking Google and saying:
Should you Google when is a girl in her prime, it’ll say 20s, 30s and 40s. I’m not saying I agree with that, however she needs to be cautious about saying that…
He reportedly even doubled-down on his assertion within the subsequent hour. Together with angering his colleagues and lots of viewers, Don Lemon additionally apparently drew the ire of CNN CEO Chris Licht, who The Wrap insiders say was “livid.” On the community’s Friday editorial assembly, Licht referred to as the feedback “unacceptable” and “unfair to his co-hosts.”
CNN reviews that Don Lemon was then allowed to handle his colleagues within the digital assembly, the place he issued an apology. The journalist mentioned:
I’m sorry that I mentioned it. And I definitely see why folks discovered it fully misguided. Once I make a mistake, I personal it. And I personal this one as effectively. … I imagine that ladies of any age… can do no matter they set their minds to. The folks I’m closest to on this group are ladies. The folks I search counsel from most on this group are ladies.
With the anchor’s go away apparently being prolonged from what was scheduled earlier than the controversy, we’ll should see what Chris Licht’s subsequent transfer shall be. Reviews say the CNN CEO has been beneath stress with regard to Don Lemon due to previous problematic conduct from the host. Lemon was concerned in an assault lawsuit that was all of the sudden dropped in 2022, through which he had been {accused} of “emotional ache and struggling” as a result of “aggression and hostility.”
There have additionally been situations of tense moments along with his co-anchors, and Don Lemon has a protracted observe file of constructing odd feedback. Previous incidents embrace speaking about comic Kathy Griffin’s “rack” in 2016 and, extra lately, taking a Stephen Colbert joke about his outfit a bit of too severely.
We’ll should see if Don Lemon returns to his frequently scheduled programming this week, or if CNN chooses to take additional motion. In his absence, Sara Sidner is filling in for Lemon. You possibly can tune in to CNN This Morning on weekdays at 6 p.m. ET., and make sure you try our 2023 TV schedule to see what premieres are coming your manner quickly.
