As Breaking Digest reported, after 17 years with the network CNN fired Don Lemon, effective immediately, on Monday morning.
Lemon said he was informed of his termination by his agent and was “stunned” that no one from management had reached out to him directly. The anchor expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the many teams he has worked with over the years and wished them all the best.
I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had 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. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.
CNN’s CEO, Chris Licht issued the following statement shortly after the news broke.
To my CNN Colleagues,
CNN and Don have parted ways. Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors. CNN This Morning has been on the air for nearly six months, and we are committed to its success.
Chris
An hour later CNN accused Don Lemon of lying about the details of his departure from the network.
According to a tweet from CNN, Lemon’s statement is “inaccurate.”
“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 tweeted.
Some great reactions from Twitter:
