CNN ousts morning anchor Don Lemon amid controversies (updated)
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CNN (NASDAQ:WBD) has fired star anchor Don Lemon, adding to a news-heavy Monday for the cable news space.
Lemon had run into controversy (and conflict with others at CNN) of late, facing backlash for on-air comments and criticism for his behavior toward women.
"CNN and Don have parted ways," CNN Chairman/CEO Chris Licht said in an internal memo posted by CNN reporters. "CNN This Morning has been on the air for nearly six months, and we are committed to its success."
"I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN," Lemon said on Twitter. "I am stunned. 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 continued. "It is clear that there are some larger issues at play."
Updated: CNN responded "Don Lemonâs statement about this morningâs events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter."
Stock in CNN parent Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) bounced off Monday's lows, down just 1.4% at midday.
The news came in the same hour that Fox News (FOX) (FOXA) shocked observers by parting ways with its top-rated personality, Tucker Carlson.
Fox stock as of 12:30 p.m. was down further -- (FOX) -3.8%, (FOXA) -3.8%. Other stocks tied closely to conservative media were also moving: Rumble (RUM) +1.3%, Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC, the blank-check company working to bring Donald Trump's Truth Social public) +1.2%.