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Don Lemon is among the most recognizable faces in journalism. As a former anchor on CNN for almost 10 years, many viewers are very acquainted with Don and his political commentary. After nearly a decade of internet hosting on the air (and extra contributing), the anchor introduced that he’d been fired by the information group in a tweet in April 2023.
Don took to Twitter to share his assertion, claiming that he was blindsided by the firing. “I used to be knowledgeable this morning by my agent that I’ve been terminated by CNN. I’m surprised,” he wrote. “After 17 years at CNN I might have thought that somebody in administration would have the decency to inform me instantly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I might not be capable of proceed to do the work I’ve beloved on the community. It’s clear there are some bigger points at play.”
CNN additionally launched a assertionconfirming that they’d parted methods with the anchor, however they later launched one other assertion saying that his claims have been “inaccurate.” The corporate mentioned, “He was provided a chance to satisfy with administration however as an alternative launched a press release on Twitter.”
Now, almost three years later, Don was arrested by federal brokers in connection to an incident at a Minnesota church in January 2026, the place he was reporting from.
Discover out every thing it’s essential learn about Don right here.
1. Don started contributing to CNN in 2006
Lengthy earlier than he was a staple of the information desk, Don was nonetheless a daily contributor to the information group as early as 2006. He’d been at CNN for a few years, earlier than getting the possibility to host his personal applications in primetime in 2014. He started internet hosting each The Eleventh Hour and The Don Lemon Present in primetime and likewise turned a everlasting host of CNN Tonight and CNN This Morning. He additionally hosted numerous particular applications for the community, together with CNN’s New Yr’s Eve protection.
2. Don had been accused of sexism within the months main as much as his firing
Within the months previous to Don’s firing, he had been accused of misogyny by viewers. In February, he was criticized for a remark made throughout a dialogue about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, the place he mentioned she was previous her “prime.” He took a weeklong absence, and he launched a press release apologizing for his touch upon Twitter earlier than his return. “I recognize the chance to be again on @CNNThisMorning immediately. To my community, my colleagues, and our unimaginable viewers — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m studying from you, and I’m dedicated to doing higher. See you quickly,” he mentioned.
After his return to the present, a few of his previous colleagues accused him of sexism and different inappropriate office conduct in a report by Selection, launched early in April. Sources within the report alleged that he’d been disrespectful to coworkers, together with Nancy Grace, Kyra Phillips, and Soledad O’Brien.
3. He’s married to his husband, Tim
Don has been with actual property agent and “Actual Speak” podcast host Tim Malone since 2017. The pair typically share images of themselves on social media. The couple are additionally the house owners of three pretty canines. The previous CNN anchor revealed that Tim had proposed to him in a 2019 Instagram submit. Tim sweetly included their canines within the proposal with nametags that learn, “Daddy, will you marry Papa?” Don gushed about his future husband within the caption. “He gave me a gift on his birthday. How may I say no?” he wrote.
In April 2024, the couple obtained married.
4. He’s the writer of two books
Apart from his work on TV, Don can also be a profitable writer with two books underneath his belt. He launched his memoir Clear in 2011. The e book was additionally the place the anchor first publicly got here out as homosexual, admitting that he’d been out to shut associates and a few co-workers. In 2021, he launched his second e book This Is Fireplace: What I Say To My Mates About Racism, the place he mirrored on racism in America and the way the problem will be fought.
5. He gained three regional Emmys
Whereas Don is most related to CNN, he truly obtained his begin in native information. He was an on-air reporter and co-anchor for the Chicago-based information station WMAQ, which was owned by NBC. He started with the community in 2003, and through his time on the air, he gained three regional Emmy Awards.