The former CNN primetime host, Don Lemon, who was fired nearly a year ago, is set to receive approximately $24.5 million as part of a separation agreement with the news network, The Wrap reported on Monday.
This amount matches what Lemon, 57, would have earned had he completed his contract, which still had three-and-a-half years remaining at the time of his termination.
However, CNN has denied the accuracy of this report. “While we never comment on specifics of any employee contract, this story is incorrect,” a CNN spokesperson told The Post.
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CNN’s representative did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding whether the network was refuting the existence of any settlement or solely disputing the reported amount specified by The Wrap’s sources.
Lemon’s departure came after a turbulent tenure as a morning show co-host, overseen by then-CEO Chris Licht, who was also later dismissed, as reported by the New York Post.
Lemon was dismissed just two months after apologizing for on-air comments about GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, suggesting she was past her prime as a woman over 50.
Lemon, a veteran anchor, expressed feeling blindsided by his abrupt termination, stating he learned of it from his agent.
“I am stunned after 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon wrote on social media.
“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 added. “It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
Lemon is gearing up to debut his own show titled “The Don Lemon Show,” on Elon Musk’s X platform in the upcoming weeks.
