CNN This Morning anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins opened today’s episode by addressing Don Lemon’s shock exit from the program.
It was revealed on Monday that the 57-year-old had departed the network after 17 years on our screens, and he claimed in a statement that he was ‘stunned’ to have been let go.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster later said that his message was ‘inaccurate’.
Poppy and Kaitlan, who helmed CNN This Morning with the anchor before his exit, avoided discussing his comments in the latest instalment, but touched on his absence.
‘As you may have heard yesterday, CNN parted ways with Don Lemon,’ Poppy began.
‘In a statement, CNN CEO Chris Licht thanked Don for his contributions over the past 17 years.’
‘Don was a big part of the show over the last six months,’ Kaitlan continued. ‘He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show. That’s something I’ll obviously never forget.
‘Don was one of my first friends here at CNN,’ Poppy added. ‘I’m so thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support for nearly 15 years here, and I wish him all good things ahead.
‘Kaitlan and I are really proud of this show. We are so proud of the dedicated team that works around the clock to bring you the news every morning, and our priority is you, the viewer, who gratefully welcomes us into your home each morning.’
Don joined the broadcaster in September, 2006, and has been the face of many programs in that time, including CNN Tonight and the Don Lemon show.
Last September, he added another series to his CV, taking on hosting duties of CNN This Morning beside Poppy and Kaitlan.
However, his time on the program wasn’t without controversy and he was forced to apologize in February, after sparking backlash with sexist comments.
Earlier this week, he claimed that he had been fired after 17 years at CNN, posting a statement on Twitter.
‘I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,’ he began.
‘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.’
He added: ‘With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run.
‘They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.’
CNN CEO Chris Licht later said in a statement: ‘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.’
While the reason behind Don’s exit was not shared, a subsequent post on CNN’s communications page read: ‘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.’
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