The famous CNN presenter has been fired.

Lemon also added that he was "shocked" by the move and that he was not directly informed by CNN about the termination of his contract.

Longtime presenter Don Lemon. Photo: Reuters

"This morning, my agent informed me that CNN had terminated my contract. I was absolutely shocked," Lemon said.

"After 17 years at CNN, I thought someone in management would be kind enough to speak frankly to me. I never gave any indication that I would no longer be able to continue doing the work I love here," he added.

In a separate statement, CNN said they and Lemon had parted ways. They added that Lemon had had the opportunity to meet with the network's management but instead, he issued a statement on his personal Twitter account.

Lemon joined CNN in 2006. He hosted the prime-time show "Don Lemon Tonight" for over eight years and rose to prominence during Donald Trump's presidency for his commentary on the former Republican president. Trump welcomed Lemon's departure from CNN on his Truth Social platform.

Lemon faced intense criticism earlier this year for comments made during a discussion of Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's proposal that those over 75 who wish to serve in the White House must demonstrate intellectual capacity.

He said Haley wasn't in her prime and that a woman's peak is in her 20s, 30s, or "maybe 40s." He later apologized for the sexist comments. In response to Lemon leaving CNN, Haley tweeted on Monday: "A great day for women everywhere."

CNN's top executive, Chris Licht, said the show, hosted by Lemon with journalists Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, will continue with a different host and CNN is "committed to success."

Mai Anh (according to CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-dan-chuong-trinh-noi-tieng-cua-cnn-bi-sa-thai-trong-tranh-cai-post245135.html