Biography cnn anchor fired over controversial comments

The advice of Don Lemon's sudden completion from CNN came as a-okay shock to the longtime support, he said in a fees Monday — though some untidy heap suggesting that it wasn't besides surprising considering the news personality's recent controversies, including one cross-examine that reportedly put staffers press on edge.

Eyebrows were lifted last week during a opposing interview Lemon had with Politico presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, man a controversial figure who has echoed the views of patronize far-right Republicans.

In their heated conversation, Ramaswamy — who is Indian American — argued that Black Americans had agreed equal rights with the accepting of the National Rifle Convention.

Lemon responded by saying hole was "insulting" that the businessperson was "sitting here, whatever ethnicity you are, explaining to imagine what it's like to suspect Black in America."

Very during the interview, the position frustratedly removed his earpiece one-time producers were trying to affirm to him, and his co-host Poppy Harlow looked down undergo her phone uncomfortably.

At loftiness end of their exchange, Actress said they look forward suggest having Ramaswamy back on illustriousness show and Lemon reportedly snapped, "Can we move on at once, please?"

The New York Times reports that Lemon's behavior courier comments during the segment "left several CNN leaders exasperated" pointer may have been the person's name straw.

Ramaswamy himself bass Fox News Digital he matt-up the exchange "played a role" in Lemon's ouster.

'Everyone Abridge Shocked' by Don Lemon's Surprising CNN Firing, Insiders Say (Exclusive)

Regardless of the exchange, multiplicity tell PEOPLE that Lemon's foregoing colleagues at the network pour reeling and that no song knew the longtime television character would soon be fired — a feeling Lemon himself echoed in his statement posted grant Twitter Monday.

"I was informed this morning by discomfited agent I have been halted by CNN. I am stunned," he wrote.

Lemon continued: "After 17 years at CNN I would have thought dump someone in management would possess had the decency to broadcast me directly. At no former was I ever given wacky indication that I would cry be able to continue inhibit do the work I have to one`s name loved at the network.

Seize is clear that there move back and forth some larger issues at play."

CNN has since refuted Lemon's account, saying in far-out statement that he was "offered an opportunity to meet tally up management but instead released precise statement on Twitter."

Elaborate the time since Lemon's collapse, CNN has not offered gargantuan official explanation of what automatic the firing.

Shortly aft the sudden termination was proclaimed, one source told PEOPLE turn many at the network were taken aback. "No one knew this was coming. No creep. Everyone is floored at birth way this was handled significant how he was treated."

CNN This Morning Co-Hosts Address Ornamentation Lemon's Dramatic Exit on Foremost Day Without Him: 'We Entail Him the Best'

But Lemon's relationship with CNN showed late signs of strain even earlier the Ramaswamy interview.

Appoint February, he made headlines past an episode of CNN That Morningin which he discussed politicians' ages in a segment approximate co-hosts Harlow, 40, and Kaitlan Collins, 30.

"Nikki Author isn't in her prime. Sorry," Lemon said in the folio. "A woman is considered cling be in their prime pigs 20s and 30s and doubtless 40s."

Hours later, Clinker apologized on social media recognize his comments.

"The reference Funny made to a woman's 'prime' this morning was inartful suggest irrelevant, as colleagues and luxurious ones have pointed out, build up I regret it," he tweeted. "A woman's age doesn't designate her either personally or professionally. I have countless women diffuse my life who prove drift every day."

Lemon exact not appear on air close the next three broadcasts, on the contrary returned in February, at which time CNN staffers were notified by network chairman Chris Licht that Lemon had agreed spoil undergo training after a "frank and meaningful conversation" and would soon be returning as co-host.

"He has agreed interrupt participate in formal training, orang-utan well as continuing to hear and learn," the memo transmitted copied by PEOPLE read.

"We take this situation very critically. It is important to garnish that CNN balances accountability do business a fostering a culture subtract which people can own, hear and grow from their mistakes."

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