Legal Battle Looms As Fired CNN Anchor Don Lemon Lawyers Up With High-Powered Firm And Makes BOLD Demands

Lemon had signed a contract with CNN that runs until 2026, with roughly $20 million left on the deal. However, it is uncertain if CNN intends to pay him the remaining amount. Lemon announced his firing on Twitter, claiming that the network informed his agent instead of telling him directly.

CNN denied this, stating that Lemon was offered a meeting with management, but instead released a statement on Twitter.

Lemon has hired Bryan Freedman, a Los Angeles-based entertainment litigator who has represented high-profile media personalities in multimillion-dollar fights after they were fired.

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Freedman has also been hired by Tucker Carlson, who was let go by Fox News on the same day as Lemon. Freedman is currently representing Chris Cuomo, who is demanding $125 million from CNN after being fired over revelations that he provided consulting services to help his brother, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, fight sexual harassment allegations. The dispute is being adjudicated through arbitration.

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April 26, 2023

CNN reportedly fired Lemon after network executives grew “exasperated” over a tense, on-air exchange with GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. During the conversation, Lemon snapped at producers who were trying to communicate with him through an earpiece. However, CNN has not provided a public explanation for Lemon's ouster after 17 years with the cable news network.

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Lemon has been in hot water multiple times in the lead-up to his firing, from his infamous Nikki Haley "past her prime" remark to a screaming match with a female co-host and alleged "diva" behavior.

In December 2021, Lemon allegedly "screamed" at his co-anchor Kaitlan Collins after an on-air segment. When the cameras stopped rolling, he allegedly approached Collins and unleashed on her in front of staffers for supposedly "interrupting" him on air.

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Just weeks before his alleged screaming match, Lemon clashed with his two female co-hosts over on-air remarks he made about women's soccer. Lemon suggested that the US men's soccer team should get paid more than the women's side because they make more money.

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A Variety magazine report published earlier this month alleged that Lemon has a long history of sexist and "diva-like behavior." The report cited roughly a dozen former CNN staffers who listed several alleged instances of misogynistic behavior.

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Don Lemon is no stranger to controversy.

Despite Lemon's controversies, he has been a prominent figure at CNN for 17 years. Lemon was the only African American host in CNN's prime-time lineup, and his firing has sparked outrage from many who see it as a blow to diversity in media.

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CNN has not yet commented on Lemon's firing, but the network has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of African American employees. In 2017, a group of black employees filed a class-action lawsuit against CNN, claiming that the network's diversity efforts were failing and that black employees faced discrimination. CNN denied the allegations and settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

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The firing of Don Lemon comes at a time when the media industry is grappling with issues of diversity and inclusion. Many newsrooms are making efforts to increase diversity in their staff and coverage, but progress has been slow. Lemon's firing highlights the challenges that media companies face in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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In conclusion, Don Lemon's firing from CNN has raised questions about the network's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Despite his controversies, Lemon was a prominent figure at CNN for 17 years, and his firing has sparked outrage from many who see it as a blow to diversity in media.