History of Don Lemon in Timeline

Don Lemon is an American television journalist, recognized for his prominent role as a host on CNN from 2014 to 2023. Early in his career, he gained experience anchoring weekend news at local television stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania. Prior to CNN, Lemon served as a news correspondent for NBC, contributing to programs like Today and NBC Nightly News. Lemon's career has been largely defined by his on-air presence and commentary on major news events.

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Full Timeline

March 1, 1966: Don Lemon Born

On March 1, 1966, Don Renaldo Lemon-Clark was born. He is an American television journalist.

1996: Graduates from Brooklyn College

In 1996, Don Lemon graduated from Brooklyn College with a major in broadcast journalism at the age of 30.

September 12, 2001: Start Date for Government Accountability Office Report Data

September 12, 2001 is the start date for the Government Accountability Office report data cited by Don Lemon regarding fatalities involving domestic extremists.

2002: Edward R. Murrow Award

In 2002, Don Lemon received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the capture of the Washington, D.C. snipers.

2003: Joins WMAQ-TV in Chicago

In 2003, Don Lemon began working at NBC owned-and-operated station WMAQ-TV in Chicago, serving as a reporter and local news co-anchor.

September 2006: Joins CNN

In September 2006, Don Lemon joined CNN.

2006: Joins CNN

In 2006, Don Lemon joined CNN as a correspondent.

2008: Start of Alleged Misogynistic Behavior

According to a Variety report in April 2023, Don Lemon's alleged history of misogynistic behavior toward his colleagues dates back to 2008.

2011: Release of Memoir Transparent

In 2011, Don Lemon publicly came out as gay in his memoir, Transparent. He also discussed colorism and sexual abuse.

Transparent

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2014: Pilot Prime Time Shows

In 2014, CNN began to pilot prime time shows hosted by Don Lemon, including The Eleventh Hour and The Don Lemon Show. Following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Lemon began to host a special, nightly program featuring discussion and analysis of the event by aviation experts. After a realignment of CNN's schedule, this hour was replaced by CNN Tonight, of which Lemon would later become the permanent host.

2014: Presenter of Don Lemon Tonight

In 2014, Don Lemon became the presenter of Don Lemon Tonight.

2014: Joins CNN as Host

In 2014, Don Lemon started working as a host on CNN.

March 2016: Interview Controversy

In March 2016, during an interview with Omarosa Newman and Kellyanne Conway, Don Lemon cut to a commercial break after calling for Newman's microphone to be turned off due to a disagreement over a tweet.

2016: Meeting Tim Malone

In 2016, Don Lemon met real estate agent Tim Malone, after which they began dating.

December 31, 2016: End Date for Government Accountability Office Report Data

December 31, 2016 is the end date for the Government Accountability Office report data cited by Don Lemon regarding fatalities involving domestic extremists.

January 2018: Lemon Calls Trump Racist

In January 2018, after Donald Trump's controversial remarks about "shithole countries", Don Lemon opened CNN Tonight by declaring, "The president of the United States is racist."

January 31, 2018: Sister's Death

On January 31, 2018, Don Lemon's sister, L'Tanya "Leisa" Lemon Grimes, died at the age of 58.

October 2018: Remarks on White Supremacist Terrorism

In October 2018, during a discussion on Cuomo Prime Time, Don Lemon stated that domestic terrorism by white supremacist Americans was a bigger threat than foreigners, leading to criticism.

May 2021: Podcast Launch and Show Retitling

In May 2021, Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo announced the launch of a podcast named The Handoff. On May 17, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon was retitled to simply Don Lemon Tonight.

February 2022: Hosting a Talk Show for CNN+

In February 2022, CNN announced that Don Lemon would be hosting a talk show for CNN's forthcoming streaming service CNN+ called The Don Lemon Show.

April 2022: Release of The Don Lemon Show on CNN+

In April 2022, two episodes of The Don Lemon Show were released on the CNN+ streaming service during its single month of operation.

September 15, 2022: Announcement of CNN Morning Show Co-Anchor Role

On September 15, 2022, it was announced that Don Lemon would co-anchor a new CNN morning show with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow later in the year.

October 12, 2022: CNN This Morning Show Name Reveal

On October 12, 2022, the name of the morning show co-anchored by Don Lemon, Kaitlan Collins, and Poppy Harlow was announced as CNN This Morning.

December 2022: Argument over Pay Inequity in Women's Sports

In December 2022, Don Lemon engaged in an on-screen argument with co-anchors Collins and Harlow over pay inequity in women's sports, stating that people are more interested in men's sports.

2022: End of Don Lemon Tonight

In 2022, Don Lemon ceased to be the presenter of Don Lemon Tonight.

February 19, 2023: Controversial Remarks on Nikki Haley's Age

On February 19, 2023, Don Lemon made controversial remarks about Nikki Haley's age and a woman's "prime", leading to widespread criticism and a subsequent apology.

April 2023: Fired by CNN

In April 2023, Don Lemon was fired by CNN.

April 2023: End of Tenure on CNN This Morning

In April 2023, Don Lemon's tenure on CNN This Morning ended with his firing from CNN.

April 2023: Allegations of Misogynistic Behavior

In April 2023, a report in Variety alleged that Don Lemon had a history of misogynistic behavior towards his colleagues.

April 24, 2023: Fired by CNN

On April 24, 2023, Don Lemon was fired by CNN.

2023: Leaves CNN

In 2023, Don Lemon left CNN.

January 9, 2024: Announcement of New Show on X

On January 9, 2024, Don Lemon announced plans for a new show on X, The Don Lemon Show, with Elon Musk as the first interviewee, but the show was later cancelled by Elon Musk before the interview aired.