After his controversial departure from CNN, Don Lemon has recently reached a settlement with the network, as reported by The Wrap.
According to the terms of the agreement, CNN will pay Lemon a total of $24.5 million, which is equivalent to the amount he would have earned had his contract been fulfilled in its entirety over the next 3.5 years.
Lemon, who previously hosted “Don Lemon Tonight,” was dismissed from CNN following a series of sexist comments he made about then-presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age during a discussion with his female co-hosts.
Although he took a brief hiatus and apologized for his remarks, the damage had already been done.
The former CNN anchor was criticized for his insensitive comments, particularly since they were made during Women’s History Month.
Lemon, who was 57 years old at the time, questioned whether Haley, who was 51, was past her political prime.
In an attempt to make amends, Lemon took to Twitter to express his regret and apologize to his colleagues and viewers. “I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better,” he wrote.
However, Lemon’s version of the events leading up to his termination has been disputed by CNN.
He claimed that he learned of his dismissal from his agent and not from the network directly.
CNN later released a statement refuting Lemon’s account, stating that he was offered the opportunity to meet with management but chose to release a statement on Twitter instead.
Despite the controversy, Lemon has since moved on and launched a new show on Elon Musk’s X.
The anchor’s departure from CNN was a significant event in the media world, and his subsequent settlement with the network has only added to the intrigue surrounding his departure.
In the end, Lemon’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being mindful of one’s words and actions, particularly in the public eye.