Don Lemon has been accused of many issues, however being camera-shy is actually not one in all them.
Days after the previous star anchor was terminated by CNN, Lemon walked a pink carpet Wednesday night, telling press he’s prepared for his new chapter.
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“I don’t must rush to a different job — even when I would like one other job,” Lemon mentioned on the pink carpet on the Time 100 gala in New York Metropolis on Wednesday night time. “I need to work once more. However I’m fortunate sufficient to be ready the place I don’t have to fret about these issues.”
Talking to varied media shops 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 properly, and I’m right here to rejoice,” Lemon advised Leisure Tonight. “I’m pleased to be right here… I’m pleased to be shifting in a brand new course. I’m going to overlook all of the proficient folks and journalists at CNN, who’re my associates and who I like, and who I’ve been talking to… I’m high-quality, life is nice.”
“I feel my assertion speaks for itself,” Lemon advised Additional, 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 an announcement saying that he was “surprised” 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 mentioned Monday. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I’d not be capable of proceed to do the work I’ve liked on the community. It’s clear that there are some bigger points at play. With that mentioned, I need to thank my colleagues and the numerous groups I’ve labored with for an unbelievable run. They’re probably 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 special model of occasions: “Lemon was supplied a chance to satisfy with administration however as a substitute launched an announcement on Twitter,” the corporate mentioned.
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 girls has been referred to as into query a number of occasions over the course of his profession. This week, after his termination, a supply advised Selection that after his past-her-prime feedback, executives had considerations about Lemon’s skill to attach with audiences, bookers have been having hassle lining up sure friends and ad-sales execs at company dad or mum Warner Bros. Discovery confronted headwinds when making an attempt 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 Additional, “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 seaside and on the boat and with my household, and simply sit back after which I’ll see what occurs subsequent,” he mentioned. “I’m excited for a brand new chapter as a result of life is brief, and no matter life fingers 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 feel they’ll in all probability have a great reply.”
Talking to a bunch 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 demise 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 isn’t as vital as an individual,” Lemon mentioned. “I do know what’s vital in life.”
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