Don Lemon's romance with fiancé Tim Malone 'on the rocks' following spate of CNN controversies
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Don Lemon's career at CNN is reportedly on thin ice and the stress is apparently having a negative impact on his romance with fiancé Tim Malone. The 56-year-old news diva has been dating the 38-year-old real estate agent since 2016.
A source claimed that the duo's relationship was cruising along from Don's solo prime-time gig to sharing the morning show with co-hosts Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow. The journalist recently courted controversy after declaring 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was "past her prime" at the age of 51 -- something that did not sit well with his co-hosts and other colleagues at the network. Now, an insider has claimed that "his relationship is on the rocks."
ALSO READ
'Don Lemon agrees': Disgraced Scott Adams cites troubled CNN anchor's 'pull up your pants' comments
'He hates his job'
"He knows he's got to step up the pampering and spoiling and generally be more pleasant to be around, but it's been tough," the source spilled to Radar Online, adding that Don's transition to daytime TV has neither improved his mood nor relationship. "He hates his job and is taking it out on a lot of people including his co-workers and Tim," they added. It's worth noting that Tim wore a sour look while walking their dogs following Don's on-air outburst, which allegedly landed him in hot water with CNN's top brass. However, sources also insisted that the pair's recent trip to Miami Beach was not to hide from the backlash but for a romantic getaway.
'There's only so much a partner can endure'
"All the bad stuff is coming home with Don, and Tim has been understanding to a point, but no one thinks he's going to put up with the temper tantrums and neglect much longer," an insider alleged. "Their friends are cautioning Don to fix things because there's only so much a partner can endure." Don's shocking comment about women being past their prime after their "30s, maybe 40s" isn't the only controversy he has courted since taking on the 'CNN This Morning' position. The left-wing journalist is said to have sparked an internal upheaval at CNN when he allegedly "screamed" at Kaitlan, 30, for "interrupting" him during their December 8 broadcast. The temper tantrum reportedly occurred off-air, but several staffers were left "shaken" after witnessing the blunder.
Repeated outbursts
Following the outburst, Kaitlan reportedly wants to work with Don as little as possible. Radar Online previously reported how Don had a second outburst after learning his exchange with Kaitlan made the CNN newsletter. "Don lost his mind internally and went ballistic at staffers after the CNN newsletter highlighted a story about him screaming," an insider told the outlet. While the network's current boss. Chris Licht, may not have punished Don for his outburst on Kaitlan, the CNN anchor was forced to undergo "formal training" after his comments about a woman's prime. Don ultimately returned to the program a few days later after “a frank and meaningful conversation” with Licht. “He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously,” the CEO reportedly stated in a memo to employees.