CNN hits back at Don Lemon's 'inaccurate' statement after being fired from network

CNN has hit back at Don Lemon's account of being dismissed from the major news network, calling his statement 'inaccurate'.

Don Lemon, 57, seemed to be in total shock when he announced on Monday (25 April) that he had been 'terminated' from CNN.

The news anchor alleged in a pretty heated statement that he hadn't been given 'any indication' that his time at the company was to come to an end, and claimed that there were 'larger issues at play'.

His full statement read: "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 that 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."

pic.twitter.com/8PyLqvS0d7

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023

The sudden announcement came as quite a shock to CNN viewers, especially given how surprised Lemon seemed to be.

But in the space of an hour, CNN released its own statement about Don's termination, accusing the TV journalist of not telling the full story.

A tweet from the CNN public relations team read: "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."

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 (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023

Originally, CNN had released a much warmer statement about Don's departure, thanking him for his contributions over the past 17 years, and assuring fans that he would 'forever be a part of the CNN family'.

But, after hearing the tone of Don's announcement, the news station obviously decided to make a little amendment.

Don's dismissal comes a few months after he came under fire for his controversial remarks on a segment of CNN This Morning.

During the show, Lemon had said that former South Carolina governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her 'prime'.

"Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry," he said in the segment. "When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s."

Nikki Haley is 51.

After being briefly taken off air for the incident, Don issued a public apology.

"I’m sorry that I said it. And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided," he had said, according to CNN.

Lemon first joined CNN back in 2006 after previously anchoring NBC Chicago and working as a correspondent for NBC News, the TODAY Show and NBC Nightly News.