Don Lemon Net Worth: How Rich is Ousted CNN Journalist After Being Fired for Controversial Sexist Comments?
Don Lemon is a renowned journalist and news anchor who has created a unique place for himself in the competitive media industry. The 57-year-old is known for his work as the host of CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, a popular news program that covers a broad range of topics, including social issues and breaking news events. Throughout his long career with the network, Lemon had built a reputation in the industry. However, the anchor’s departure from the network, which followed controversial remarks he made about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, has prompted questions about his net worth.
Don Lemon’s Net Worth Following 17 Years Of Tenure At CNN
Don Lemon has been a prominent figure in the media industry for many years. News anchor had a lengthy tenure of 17 years with the CNN group. It is reported that he earned an average salary of $4 million during his time there, contributing to a considerable net worth of nearly $12 million in the year 2023.
He spent various years of his life working for CNN and became one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism. However, his recent departure from the network was ruined by controversy.
In February 2023, he made comments about the Republican presidential candidate during a discussion on the morning show. Along with his co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, Lemon commented that Nikki Haley was not in her prime. These comments ultimately led to his termination from CNN.
Unfortunately, it appears that the anchor and CNN did not part ways on good terms as Lemon took to Twitter to share his shock and dismay upon learning of his termination from his agent.
“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 loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
Also, he expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and the teams he had worked with but suggested that there were larger issues at play.
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
CNN, on the other hand, released a statement contradicting Lemon’s claims, stating that he was offered the opportunity to meet with management. The news network explained.
“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.”
Before this, the news channel had released a more friendly statement indicating that they and Lemon had parted ways, saying,
“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 entire mess begins related to Haley occurred on the CNN show, where co-hosts discussed GOP presidential candidate and commented that politicians 75 and older should face mental competency tests.
Don Lemon Sparks Controversy Over His S*xiest Comment
An on-air blunder Lemon faced backlash after publicly dissing Haley on CNN — and was subsequently benched from multiple broadcasts.
The newscaster made headlines on February 2023 after making a s*xist comment about Haley’s age. While discussing the 51-year-old former governor of South Carolina’s bid for the presidency on CNN This Morning, Lemon claimed that she has passed her prime. He explained.
“She says people, politicians are not in their prime,” he continued, referring to the former United Nations Ambassador’s idea to implement “mental competency tests” for political leaders over the age of 75. Further, he said.
“Nikki Haley is not in her prime, sorry. A woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s, and maybe her 40s.”
Poppy Harlow, a co-host, questioned her colleague’s viewpoint, asking if he meant Haley was past her “prime for childbearing” or “prime for being president.”
Lemon immediately pushed back, responding.
“If you Google, ‘when is a woman in her prime,’ it’ll say 20s, 30s, and 40s. … I’m not saying I agree with that so I think she has to be careful about saying that [politicians aren’t in their prime].”
Lemon’s comment quickly sparked controversy and prompted Haley to respond via social media on Tuesday, February 14.
“You should know this about me. I don’t put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you’re wearing heels. I’m Nikki Haley, and I’m running for president.”
The host later apologized for his irrelevant remark, acknowledging that a woman’s age does not define her personally or professionally. He tweeted.
“The reference I made to a woman’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it. A woman’s age doesn’t define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.”
However, Lemon’s comment was widely criticized, highlighting the importance of respecting professional manners.
Source: People
