Don Lemon left CNN because he was fired by the network in April 2023 after 17 years. The exact reasons for his firing were not officially disclosed by CNN. However, reports indicate that his exit was involuntary and came amid controversies including his on-air remarks (such as calling Nikki Haley "past her prime"), alleged misogynistic behavior toward female colleagues, and tensions with CNN leadership. Lemon himself said he was "stunned" by the termination and suggested there were "larger issues at play." CNN disputed some of Lemon's accounts of the circumstances around his departure, stating he was given a chance to meet with management but chose instead to make a public statement on social media. His firing coincided with a decline in his popularity and difficulties CNN faced in booking guests for his segments.
