Not ‘any scenario’ where Don Lemon would return to CNN, source
CNN anchor Don Lemon has reportedly refused to return to the network despite the resignation of his former boss Chris Licht, according to sources. It was reported that Lemon was sacked by Licht in April following a series of on-air mistakes and internal disputes. Following Licht’s resignation on Wednesday after a scathing exposé in The Atlantic, there has been speculation as to whether Lemon will return. However, a source close to Lemon told The Post that they don’t see any scenario where he accepts an on-air position at the network. Rumours have circulated that Lemon was laughing at Licht’s mounting failures that led to his resignation, with some calling on CNN to rehire him.
FAQs
Why did Chris Licht step down as CEO from CNN?
Chris Licht stepped down as CEO of CNN after staff at the network called for his dismissal in the wake of a critical magazine profile. CNN staffers cited Licht’s criticism of their coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for his departure. Licht had accused former CEO Jeff Zucker of undermining his leadership and spreading negative stories about the network. Licht’s resignation has resulted in the appointment of Amy Entelis as his replacement.
Will Don Lemon return to CNN?
According to a source close to Lemon, they do not see any scenario where he will accept an on-air position at the network. Although some Twitter users have called for Lemon to be rehired, there has been no official comment from CNN on the matter.
Why was Don Lemon fired by Chris Licht?
Lemon was reportedly fired by Licht in April after 17 years at CNN, following a series of on-air mishaps and internal disputes. It is understood that Licht and Lemon had a fraught relationship, which allegedly began on Lemon’s first day as host of “CNN This Morning” when Licht reportedly disliked Lemon’s outfit. The two disputed Lemon’s excessive commentary during the morning show, with Licht rejecting an idea by Lemon to host a roundtable with women in an attempt at damage control following Lemon’s controversial comments about Nikki Haley. At the time of Lemon’s firing, Licht felt that Lemon had become a major distraction.
CNN sources suggest that Don Lemon would only return under specific circumstances.
Don Lemon will not be making a return to CNN, despite the recent resignation of his nemesis Chris Licht, according to a source close to the anchor who spoke with The Post on Thursday. The source stated that they “[don’t] see any scenario” where Lemon would accept another on-air position at the network, following his firing by Licht on April 24 after 17 years with the news channel. Despite speculation regarding a return, including calls from some on social media for CNN to rehire him, Lemon has reportedly been “laughing at Chris’ mounting failures” that led to his resignation, according to Lemon’s publicist. Licht stepped down as CEO of CNN on Wednesday morning, after staffers and senior figures at the network called for his head following a scathing magazine profile.