Why was Don Lemon fired? Inside interview that may have been the final straw
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Don Lemon was reportedly fired by CNN in part because of his interview with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy last week. Insiders have claimed that the network axed Lemon to restructure 'CNN This Morning.' Lemon, 57, now appears ready to sue the network.
Lemon, who spent the last 17 years working with CNN, is believed to have earned $4 million a year. He recently drew criticism after making sexist remarks about presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age and professional capacity.
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Don Lemon's interview with Vivek Ramaswamy
Lemon on April 19 spoke to Ramaswamy about slavery, the Civil War, and the Second Amendment. As the two verbally attacked each other, Lemon's co-host Poppy Harlow was seen checking her smartphone. "You're making people think that the Civil War was fought for black people to get guns," Lemon said. "It's reductive and I think it's insulting. There are a whole plethora of reasons for the Civil War."
Ramaswamy told Lemon that "with due respect, I find your explanation reductive and actually insulting." He continued arguing, saying Black people being allowed to own guns was a major factor. "Actually, a funny fact is – black people did not get to enjoy the other freedoms until their Second Amendment rights were secured," said Ramaswamy. "Black people secured their freedoms after the Civil War - and it's a historical fact, Don, just study it - only after their Second Amendment rights were secured."
"But black people still aren't allowed to enjoy the freedoms as well in this country," Lemon said. Ramaswamy said, "I disagree with you on that Don. I think you're doing a disservice to this country by failing to recognize that we have equality before the laws here."
"The whole reason that the Civil Rights movement happened was that Black people did not secure their freedoms after the Civil War," Lemon replied. "When you are in black skin and you live in this country, then you can disagree with me."
Taking issue with the comment, Ramaswamy said, "Don, I think we have to be able to talk about these issues in the open regardless of the color of our skin."
The encounter 'left several CNN leaders exasperated'
The New York Times learned from sources that the encounter "left several CNN leaders exasperated." "There were rumblings inside CNN that they are revamping the morning show and Lemon's firing may have been part of that," a source told Daily Mail. "But Don may have blown it all up when he tweeted out the news."
After his termination, Lemon wrote on Twitter, "I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated. I am stunned." He stated he worked with the company for 17 years, saying he believed “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,” he wrote.