In the wake of Don Lemon’ssudden termination from CNN, sources tell PEOPLE others at the network are reeling and that no one knew the longtime television personality would soon be fired.
“Everyone is shocked,” one source tells PEOPLE. “No one knew this was coming. No one. Everyone is floored at the way this was handled and how he was treated.”
A former CNN producer tells PEOPLE: “I love Don, and I’m very sorry to see how badly this went down. It’s demoralizing to hear about it through his agent.”
Lemon alluded to his own surprise at the decision in a tweet published Monday morning—though CNN has refuted his account.
Lemon continued: “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. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
Don Lemon.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
In a tweet, CNN’s PR team disputed that the firing came as a surprise. “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”
Lemon made headline with remarks during a Feb. 16 episode ofCNN This Morning, while discussing politicians' ages in a segment with co-hostsPoppy Harlow, 40, andKaitlan Collins, 30.
Lemon continued, “She says … politicians are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”
Viewers were quick to call Lemon’s remarks sexist and ageist, with many also highlighting that he is five years older than Haley.A Timeline of CNN Host Don Lemon’s Controversies
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source: people.com
