Don Lemon’s Misogyny and ‘Diva-Like Behavior’ Exposed.

Thaddeus Tran April 5, 2023 History and Heritage

Don Lemon’s History of Misogyny at CNN

Don Lemon’s recent controversial comments about Nikki Haley were not the first time the CNN anchor has been accused of making misogynistic remarks. According to a scathing report by Variety, Lemon repeatedly ridiculed and attacked his colleagues over his 15+ year tenure at the network.

False Anecdotes and Unsubstantiated Gossip?

In response to the report, a CNN spokesperson on behalf of Lemon stated that the story was “riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence,” and that it was “entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip.”

Incensed Over a Colleague’s Assignment

Lemon’s alleged hostile behavior towards his colleagues dates back to at least 2008 when he reportedly tore up notes and sent threatening texts to then-colleague Kyra Phillips after she was assigned to cover Iraq. “Now you’ve crossed the line, and you’re going to pay for it,” one text read. CNN leadership traced the anonymous number back to Lemon and launched a human-resources investigation. Lemon was subsequently shifted to a weekend slot, effectively a demotion at the time.

More Antics

Lemon reportedly felt miffed when female colleagues were given opportunities over him, including when Soledad O’Brien was chosen to anchor CNN’s “Black in America” series in 2008. During an editorial call announcing the news, Lemon opined that O’Brien wasn’t Black. As such alleged episodes continued to happen, management tried to rein him in.

The Come-to-Jesus Moment

A then-CNN executive recalled a “come-to-Jesus moment” when Lemon was told to address his behavior, with the warning that it could derail his career. However, with Jeff Zucker taking control of CNN in 2013, Lemon’s clout within the network only continued to rise. Some friends found him distant, with his focus more on personal gain than impactful stories.