CNN shuts down Don Lemon’s firing claims in strong statement

CNN has released a statement denying that Don Lemon was fired without having a conversation with management, after the star claimed that he had been let go after 17 years without anyone discussing it with him first. 

In a statement shared to Twitter via CNN Communications, the statement read: “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s event is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.” 

Don’s original statement read: "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."

MORE: Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News effective immediately amid $787.5 million settlement with Dominion

MORE: Gayle King and Charles Barkley launching new primetime show with CNN: 'Kindness always works'

He continued: "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."

© Getty

Elon Musk was among those to reply to CNN’s statement, writing: “Interesting.” Another follower added: “Wait what’s happening? So is @donlemon still forever part of the @CNN family? Do you still wish him well? Will you still cheer for him on his future endeavours?” He included a tweet from the company that was sent on Monday, reading: “CNN and Don have parted ways. Don will forever be 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 endeavours.” 

The news of his termination comes soon after a report published by Variety which alleged that the anchor, 57, made several misogynistic and offensive comments in the workplace. The TV personality has since denied several of the claims made against him, with a statement by his spokesperson to The Wrap reading: "The story, which is riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence, is entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip."

Like this story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.