Don Lemon's firing from CNN linked to tense interview with Vivek Ramaswamy

Don Lemon’s termination by CNN could have stemmed from a fiery on air debate he had with Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a report in the New York Times claims.

Here's a short clip from their tense exchange:

Lemon was taken off air by the rolling news network after 17 years working as a presenter, afterwards claiming that he’d only found out the news through his agent.

However, CNN has disputed that claim, stating that he was offered a meeting with management.

Now, some have suggested that CNN became ‘exasperated’ with Lemon after an argument with GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, during which the pair clashed.

CNN

Lemon was visibly annoyed with Ramaswamy during the encounter on CNN This Morning last Wednesday, at one stage even remonstrating with the people talking through his earpiece, telling them: “Please, I cannot keep a thought if you guys are talking in my ear.”

The New York Times cites two sources claiming the encounter ‘left several CNN leaders exasperated’.

Ramaswamy himself later told Fox News Digital that he believes that their on-screen disagreement ‘played a role’ in CNN’s decision to remove Lemon from his post.

He said: “I think that any network that wants to foster open debate should embrace that principle by not restricting what someone can say or saying what someone can say is restricted based on their skin color.

“And I think they made the right decision here.”

Lemon – who is Black – had argued that it was ‘insulting’ that Ramaswamy was ‘sitting [there], whatever ethnicity you are, explaining to me what it’s like to be Black in America'.

However, this is not the only story that has focused on Lemon’s alleged behavior in recent times, with comments made about another Republican presidential candidate – Nikki Haley – being ‘past her prime’ at 51 years old receiving widespread condemnation.

Lemon said that ‘a woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s and 30s and maybe 40s’, but was widely criticised for sexism.

After those comments in February 2023, Lemon tweeted: “To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry.

“I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better.”

CNN

After his sacking on Monday, Lemon released a statement on Twitter in which he said: “I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN.

“I am stunned after 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have 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.”

However, CNN have disputed his version of events, claiming he was given notice.

The network tweeted: “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.”

UNILAD has attempted to contact CNN This Morning for a comment.