Featured Image Credit: Alamy / AFF / Shiiko Alexander
Topics: US News, Film and TV
Rhiannon Ingle
Don Lemon has been fired by CNN after 17 years this afternoon (24 April).
The host has been let go from his anchor role which he was in for almost two entire decades.
The decision follows allegations that Lemon that he mistreated his female colleagues throughout his career with CNN.
Lemon announced the news on Twitter today, writing: "I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly."
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He continued: "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."
Lemon went on to claim that it was 'clear' that there were '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 concluded.
"They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best."
The official CNN Communications Twitter page also released a statement on the matter, stating: "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."
The news follows a story published by Variety earlier this month (5 April) about Lemon and his inappropriate workplace conduct titled: "Don Lemon’s Misogyny at CNN, Exposed: Malicious Texts, Mocking Female Co-Workers and 'Diva-Like Behavior'".K
The ex-CNN anchor first came under fire back in February of this year after appearing on a controversial segment of CNN This Morning.
In the segment, Lemon made an inappropriate remark about former South Carolina governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, in which he dubbed her no longer in her 'prime'.
"Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry," he stated. "When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s."
Following the incident, the anchor was reprimanded by the CNN chairman, Chris Licht, and briefly taken off-air.
He later apologised for his remarks, saying: "I’m sorry that I said it. And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided," 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.