Don Lemon Exits CNN; Host Says He’s Been Terminated By Network After 17 Years

deadline.com:

Don Lemon is out at CNN. The morning show host said that he was informed by his agent that he had been terminated. The network said that they have “parted ways.” CNN said that CNN This Morning, co-hosted by Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, will continue. “I am stunned,” Lemon said. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought 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.” CNN said in a statement, “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 was moved to the morning hours in November, paired with Harlow and Collins as part of a revamped morning show.

The ratings, though, have been far from spectacular, and the network has since replaced its executive producer. But even as executives insist that the show needs more time to gestate, given morning viewing habits, Lemon has been the source of some controversy.