'I’m a survivor': Don Lemon opens up about future plans after CNN exit
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Don Lemon made an appearance at the Time 100 Gala in New York City on Wednesday, April 26, after he was suddenly asked to leave CNN following 17 years of service. The journalist opened up about his departure from the network and his future plans.
He told the reporters present during the event’s red carpet, “You guys are more worried about me than I am,” as reported by People. Lemon also chatted with ‘Extra’s’ Tommy DiDario as he told him, “Life goes on. That’s behind me and we’ll see what happens in the future.”
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‘Just chill out and then I’ll see what happens next’
The 57-year-old went on to continue, “I live my life with no regrets and whatever I did, I did, I owned. I don’t look back and don’t want to change things in the past… Onward.” He also shared his future plans, as he noted, “I’m gonna spend my summer on the beach and on the boat, and with my family. Just chill out and then I’ll see what happens next, but I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can do that. I have time. I don’t have to rush to another job, even if I want another job.”
Besides, Lemon added, “I think life is short, and whatever life hands you, you have to bob and weave and do it. I didn’t think I would be at work one evening and get a phone call that my sister had died, but I had to deal with that. I didn’t think that my dad would die young of diabetes… So there are lots of things that come your way that are unexpected, but I’m a survivor. I come from strong, sturdy stock in Louisiana and a lot of people are rooting for me and who love me.”
‘I am stunned’
This comes after the longtime anchor took to Twitter to slam CNN, the media company, reportedly said, “CNN and Don have parted ways. Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
Lemon then tweeted, “I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
But CNN did not back off and added, “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”