Don Lemon stated he had no regrets and “owns” his actions after being fired from CNN following his 17-year stint with the community.
Lemon introduced his firing on Monday, saying he was “surprised” after being knowledgeable of the choice by his agent, and lamenting the dearth of “decency” within the dealing with of the scenario, which CNN rejected as “inaccurate”.
The information anchor hit the purple carpet on the Time 100 Gala in New York Metropolis following his axing and spoke to Further Television concerning the channel’s choice.
Lemon referred to as himself a “survivor” and stated lots of people love and help him.
“I reside my life with no regrets. I did what I did and I personal it, and so no, I don’t look again and I don’t wish to change issues prior to now,” he stated within the interview.
“There are many issues that come your manner which can be sudden, however I’m a survivor. I come from sturdy, sturdy inventory in Louisiana and lots of people are rooting for me and who love me.
“Life goes on. That’s behind me and we’ll see what occurs sooner or later.”
Talking about his future plans, the previous This Morning co-anchor stated he isn’t going to leap to work instantly however has plans to get pleasure from his summer season together with his boyfriend and household on the seashore.
“’I’m gonna spend my summer season on the seashore and on the boat, and with my household,” he stated.
“Simply sit back after which I’ll see what occurs subsequent, however I’m lucky sufficient to be ready the place I can do this.”
He stated he does wish to work once more and is “excited for a brand new chapter, as a result of I suppose, you already know, life is brief and no matter life fingers you, you could have to bob and weave and do it”.
The shock choice by the community got here as Lemon had been mired in a string of controversies in latest months – with accusations of creating offensive on-air feedback about ladies and of mistreating feminine coworkers off-camera.
Lemon strongly denied accusations towards him, which included claims of office misogyny and “diva-like behaviour”.
A source-based report in Selection alleged that he had disrespected CNN co-hosts Nancy Grace on air and broadcaster Soledad O’Brien throughout an editorial assembly, amongst different issues. In accordance with fellow colleagues, Lemon mocked Grace by mimicking her on air.
A CNN spokesperson, nevertheless, stated Selection story supplied “no precise proof, and as a substitute depends on nameless sources” and unsubstantiated claims.
“CNN is unable to corroborate the alleged accounts,” it stated.
Lemon additionally made inflammatory remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age in February, saying she wasn’t “in her prime”.
He was later pulled out by the community from his morning broadcast, and he was made to bear “formal coaching”. Upon his return, he tweeted an apology, “I’m studying from you, and I’m dedicated to doing higher”.
Lemon arrived to the occasion alongside together with his boyfriend, Tim Malone and stated “he’s my largest supporter”.
When Mr Malone was requested if Lemon was “driving him nuts”, he laughed and stated no however “just a bit bit”.
“I all the time drive him nuts,” Lemon stated in a light-hearted second. “It’s nothing totally different. However as you already know, he’s my largest supporter.”
