CNN Fires Anchor Don Lemon

CNN recently fired one of its star anchors, Don Lemmon, who came under fire for comments widely perceived as sexist and reports alleging misogynistic behavior toward his colleagues.

Mr. Lemmon appeared on the air Monday morning and showed no signs of being fired. Shortly after, he released a brief statement saying he had been notified of his dismissal.

“I was informed by my agent this morning that I have been fired from CNN. I am shocked,” Anchor said in a statement. “Having worked at CNN for 17 years, I would have expected someone from management to have the decency to tell me directly.”

“I never had a hunch that I wouldn’t be able to continue doing what I love with the network. Clearly there are some bigger issues involved,” Lemmon added.

“CNN and Don have parted ways,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a statement.

“Don will forever be part of the CNN family and we thank him for his contributions over the last 17 years,” he said. “We wish him well and support him in his future endeavors.”

A CNN spokesperson declined to explain how Lemon was fired. “He was offered the opportunity to meet with management, but instead issued a statement on Twitter,” the spokesperson said.

Lemon was widely criticized in February when he said 51-year-old Nikki Haley was “not in her prime” and therefore not a strong candidate for president. She added that women are believed to be in their prime “in their 20s, 30s and possibly 40s.”

And earlier this month, Variety published an article condemning Mr. Lemon’s misogynistic behavior toward his CNN colleagues, some of which dates back to 2008.