Don Lemon has been accused of many issues, however being camera-shy is definitely not one among them.
Days after the previous star anchor was terminated by CNN, Lemon walked a purple carpet Wednesday night, telling press he’s prepared for his new chapter.
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“I don’t need to rush to a different job — even when I would like one other job,” Lemon stated on the purple carpet on the Time 100 gala in New York Metropolis on Wednesday night time. “I wish to work once more. However I’m fortunate sufficient to be able the place I don’t have to fret about these issues.”
Talking to numerous media retailers on the gala, Lemon was in excessive spirits with a smile on his face, regardless of his departure — and alleged habits within the office, as reported by Selection — dominating headlines.
“I’m doing nicely, and I’m right here to rejoice,” Lemon informed Leisure Tonight. “I’m comfortable to be right here… I’m comfortable to be transferring in a brand new route. I’m going to overlook all of the proficient folks and journalists at CNN, who’re my associates and who I really like, and who I’ve been chatting with… I’m high-quality, life is sweet.”
“I believe my assertion speaks for itself,” Lemon informed Further, commenting on his personal phrases following information of the termination. “Yeah, it was a shock. However life goes on. That’s behind me, and we’ll see what occurs sooner or later.”
On Monday, when information broke that CNN had fired Lemon, he issued a press release saying that he was “shocked” and claimed he was knowledgeable by his agent of his termination.
“After 17 years at CNN I’d have thought that somebody in administration would have had the decency to inform me straight,” Lemon stated Monday. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I’d not have the ability to proceed to do the work I’ve beloved on the community. It’s clear that there are some bigger points at play. With that stated, I wish to thank my colleagues and the various groups I’ve labored with for an unbelievable run. They’re essentially the most proficient journalists within the enterprise, and I want all of them the very best.”
CNN pushed again on Lemon’s assertion, providing a unique model of occasions: “Lemon was supplied a chance to fulfill with administration however as a substitute launched a press release on Twitter,” the corporate stated.
Lemon’s termination got here after he made now-infamous remarks on his morning present, suggesting that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was previous her “prime,” garnering a torrent of nonstop backlash and undesirable consideration. Then, Selection reported that the anchor’s habits towards ladies has been referred to as into query a number of instances over the course of his profession. This week, after his termination, a supply informed Selection that after his past-her-prime feedback, executives had issues about Lemon’s capability to attach with audiences, bookers had been having bother lining up sure visitors and ad-sales execs at company dad or mum Warner Bros. Discovery confronted headwinds when attempting to safe sponsors for this system.
On Wednesday night time, Lemon dodged particular questions concerning the ins-and-outs of his departure from CNN.
When requested by Further, “Are you going after the corporate?” Lemon as a substitute gave a preview of his close to future.
“I’m going to spend my summer time on the seashore and on the boat and with my household, and simply relax after which I’ll see what occurs subsequent,” he stated. “I’m excited for a brand new chapter as a result of life is brief, and no matter life palms you, it’s a must to bob-and-weave and do it… I’m a survivor.”
Requested by Time, “What affect have you ever left at CNN?” Lemon responded, “Why don’t you ask my colleagues? I believe they’ll most likely have an excellent reply.”
Chatting with a gaggle of reporters on the red carpet, Lemon put all of it in perspective and spoke about a few of the challenges he has confronted in his life, noting the tragic dying of his sister in 2018 and dropping his father younger from diabetes. “Hear, I didn’t lose my job. I misplaced my sister. A job is one thing that’s not as necessary as an individual,” Lemon stated. “I do know what’s necessary in life.”
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