Don Lemon: Where Is He Now?

The world renowned anchor and reporter Don Lemon was fired by CNN on April 24, 2023, after working 17 years with cable network CNN News. The reason behind the firing was the remarks he made about women and aging which were perceived to be sexist and also accusations of misogyny and misbehaviour. After firing, he started a show on X (twitter) which gets banned by Elon Musk. Are you curious to know where Don Lemon is now and what he’s doing? Continue reading to know further.

Who is Don Lemon?

Don Lemon is an American television personality who was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He chose journalism as a profession and became famous for the casting of “Don Lemon Tonight” and “CNN This Morning”. Don was a senior anchor who spent 17 years (From 2006 to 2023) with CNN News.

His early education is from a public school in Baker’s town named Baker High School and for higher education he went to Louisiana State University. Later he moved to Brooklyn College and graduated in broadcast journalism from there at the age of 30.

Don Lemon started his career as an anchor and reporter who worked for various news channels including WBRC, WCAU, KTVI, WNYW and NBC news till 2006. IN 2006, he joined the renowned cable TV channel CNN News as co-host of CNN This Morning & representative of Don Lemon Tonight.

What happened to Don Lemon?

Don Lemon was fired by CNN in April 2023 for various reasons of misbehaviour and critical statements made against women. Many of his colleagues and co-anchors on CNN faced the misogynistic behaviour of Don Lemon including Kaitlan Collins, Poppy Harlow, Soledad O’Brien, Kyra Phillips and Nancy Grace. Once he said to Nikki Haley that she was over 40, so crossed her prime. In a talk show about inequality in women’s sports, Lemon said “People are more interested in the men”.

CNN noticed his declining popularity among the audience and guests were not interested in appearing on the show with Lemon. That’s why CNN decided to fire Don Lemon in April 2023, ahead of a contract that was set to expire in 2026.

Early Life and Education:

Don Lemon was raised in Baton Rouge, where he attended Baker High School. He later studied at Louisiana State University and Brooklyn College, earning a degree in broadcast journalism. His early interest in news and media set the stage for his future career.

Career Beginnings:

Lemon started his journalism career at local news stations, working as a reporter and anchor. His talent and dedication quickly earned him opportunities at larger networks. He joined NBC News in the early 2000s, where he gained national recognition before moving to CNN in 2006.

Rise to Prominence at CNN:

Don Lemon rose to become one of CNN’s most recognisable personalities. During his tenure as anchor of “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon,” he covered significant news stories and spoke with prominent people. He made a name for himself in the media by being prepared to take on contentious subjects and talk openly about politics, racism, and other social concerns.

Awards and Recognition:

Don Lemon is a multiple Emmy Award winner and winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for journalism. In particular, his reporting of significant events like Hurricane Katrina and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests has garnered accolades for its depth and sincerity. Lemon’s impact goes beyond his news reporting since he has developed become a spokesperson for under-represented groups.

Authorship and Public Speaking:

In addition to his work on television, Don Lemon is an accomplished author. He has written several books, including Transparent and This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism. His books reflect his personal experiences and views on race and justice in America. Lemon is also a sought-after public speaker, known for his powerful and thought-provoking speeches on social issues.

Controversies and Challenges:

Don Lemon has received both acclaim and criticism during his career. His candour has generated controversy, especially in light of his remarks on politics and race. In spite of this, Lemon is still seen as a credible journalist who shapes public opinion. He has persevered in the face of difficulties, keeping up his stature as a prominent journalist.

Personal Life:

Don Lemon is open about his personal life and is one of the few openly gay news anchors on prime-time television. He has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and speak out against discrimination. Lemon’s personal experiences have shaped his perspective and often inform his reporting.

Legacy and Impact:

Don Lemon’s contributions to journalism go beyond his reporting; he has become a significant figure in discussions about race, justice, and equality. His work continues to inspire future generations of journalists who aim to bring truth and transparency to the public. Lemon’s legacy is marked by his courage to address difficult topics and his commitment to telling stories that matter.

Where is Don Lemon now?

Lemon announced his new show named “The Don Lemon Show” on January 9, 2024. The show was scheduled to be broadcast on X (Twitter) with the first guest Elon Musk. The interview was recorded but before it could be aired, Elon Musk cancelled the show on X because he was upset with Lemon due to some unexpected questions asked by him.

Don Lemon is currently hosting “The Don Lemon Show” on YouTube where he welcomes a variety of guests and talks about politics, current events and social issues. He hosts the show from his apartment in Harlem. He also comes live every day at 5 pm ET on YouTube and replies to asked questions.

Conclusion:

Don Lemon is not just a news anchor; he is a powerful voice in American media. His career, marked by numerous achievements and challenges, reflects his dedication to journalism and social justice. Lemon’s influence will likely continue to shape the field of journalism for years to come, as he remains a key figure in the ongoing dialogue about the most pressing issues of our time.