Prominent CNN host Don Lemon has hit out at the American cable network’s decision to sack him amid reports of misogyny.
The former This Morning host, 57, said he was “stunned” after being told by his agent that his contract with CNN was ending after 17 years.
“I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” he wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
He added: “They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”
In a statement of its own, CNN said the network and Lemon had parted ways. It added that Lemon was offered a chance to meet with the network’s management but that he instead released a statement on his personal Twitter account.
The network described Lemon’s version of events as “inaccurate.”
Neither statement gave a reason for Lemon’s departure.
Lemon faced severe criticism earlier this year for comments made on air during a discussion about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s proposal that people over the age of 75 who wish to serve in the White House should prove mental competence.
He said Mrs Haley was not in her prime and that a woman’s prime is in her 20s, 30s or “maybe her 40s.” He later apologised for the sexist comments.
In response to Lemon’s departure from CNN, Haley tweeted on Monday: “A great day for women everywhere.”
“To women everywhere, don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re past your prime.”
Lemon’s reputation was further questioned following reports from Variety earlier this month, which detailed accusations of misogynistic behaviour toward his CNN colleagues.
Lemon allegedly called one of his producers fat to her face and sent threatening texts to another. He was also accused of mocking a co-host on air by mimicking her, “shocking fellow colleagues”. A representative for Lemon denied the reports.
Lemon joined CNN in 2006. He hosted the prime-time show Don Lemon Tonight for more than eight years and gained prominence during the presidency of Donald Trump for his commentary on the former Republican president, whom he called a “racist.”
Trump welcomed Lemon’s departure from CNN. On his Truth Social platform, the former president said: “My only question is, WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?”
Lemon was on the air earlier on Monday for the CNN This Morning show, which he began hosting a few months ago.
CNN’s top boss, Chris Licht, said the show, which Lemon hosted with journalists Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, will continue and CNN was “committed to its success.”
