Don Lemon
Don Lemon is a former CNN star presenter and veteran TV journalist. He rose to fame for hosting “Tonight with Don Lemon,” a primetime news program where he conducted hard-hitting interviews with public officials and compassionate dialogue with everyday people. Since joining CNN in 2006, he reported and anchored on-the-scene for CNN from many breaking news stories, including the Sandy Hook massacre, in war-torn Eastern Europe, and during the riots of 2020. Lemon was fired from the network in April 2023 following his headline-making comments on former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who he said was not "in her prime" due to her age, as well as accusations of inappropriate behavior toward female colleagues detailed in a Variety report. Lemon attempted a comeback with the launch of his own media company and a short-lived partnership with Elon Musk's social media platform X. He has since sued Musk following the cancellation of that partnership. Today, he is the host of The Don Lemon Show.
Don Lemon Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Anchor and Presenter
Academic History
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B.S., Journalism
CNN
Since joining CNN, he has reported and anchored on-the-scene for CNN from many breaking news stories, including the George Zimmerman trial (2013), the Boston Marathon bombing (2013), the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (2012), the death of Michael Jackson (2009), and many more.
He was also known for holding politicians and public officials accountable in his "No Talking Points" segment.
Prior to his firing, he had spent five months co-hosting “CNN This Morning” alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, after losing his prime-time show.
Conservative leaders celebrated Lemon’s termination at CNN, including President Donald Trump, who called Lemon “the dumbest man on television.
PARTNERSHIP WITH ELON MUSK
Lemon's suit — claiming that he and Elon Musk had a deal for an interview show on X includes a guaranteed $1.5 million annual salary along with other bonuses and incentives.
He claimed that Musk's behavior deceived him, and that Musk was hoping to profit from the name recognition of a well-known American broadcaster without honoring his side of the agreement.
He sued Musk and X, alleging Musk and his social media company of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, misappropriation of Lemon's name and likeness, and breach of express contract.
RECOGNITIONS
Lemon has received numerous awards for his special news coverage, including three regional Emmy Awards
In 2002, he was honored with an Edward R. Murrow award for his coverage of the capture of the Washington D.C. area sniper.
In 2009, Ebony named Lemon to the Ebony Power 150, a list of the most influential African Americans.