Cable News Network (CNN) has fired longtime news anchor Don Lemon.
In a Twitter post, the veteran news anchor said that he was “stunned” by the step and that he was not directly informed of the termination by the network.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,” Lemon said.
“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,” he added.
In a statement of its own, CNN said the network and Lemon had ‘parted ways’ but did not give a reason for Lemon’s shocking departure.
“Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions,” the company tweeted. “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
The news of Lemon’s termination comes two months after reports of alleged misogyny were made public in a lengthy expose by news website Variety.
In February, Lemon made headlines for offensive statements about 51-year old US presidential candidate Nikki Haley, which he later apologized for.
“To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better,” he tweeted shortly before going back on the air,” he tweeted then.
In related news, Tucker Carlson, who is one of the highest rated US TV hosts, is also leaving Fox News.
In a statement, Fox News said that the network and Mr Carlson have agreed to “part ways”.
“FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” the company said in a statement on Monday. “We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.”
His last TV programme was Friday 21 April, the statement added. His primetime slot will now be hosted by a series of interim hosts until a permanent replacement is found.
Just like in Lemon’s case, the brief statement also gave no reason for the decision.
The announcement comes less than a week after parent company Fox Corp agreed to pay $787.5m to Dominion Voting Systems to avert a defamation trial.
