"Don Lemon is a renowned American television journalist, widely recognized for his tenure as a CNN host from 2014 to 2023. His career began with anchoring weekend news programs for local stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania. He later served as a news correspondent for NBC, contributing to prominent programs like 'Today' and 'NBC Nightly News'. Lemon's journalistic accomplishments include an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the Washington, D.C. snipers' capture and three regional Emmy Awards, highlighting his significant contributions to television journalism."
1996: Lemon Graduates from Brooklyn College
At the age of 30, Don Lemon graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1996. This educational achievement marked a pivotal step toward his future career in television news.
September 12, 2001: Start of Period Analyzed for Domestic Terrorism Data
This date marks the beginning of the period from which Don Lemon cited data on domestic terrorism fatalities. This period, spanning from September 12, 2001, to December 31, 2016, became a point of reference in discussions about domestic terrorism and extremist violence.
2002: Lemon Receives Edward R. Murrow Award
Don Lemon was awarded a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002. He earned this award for his notable coverage of the capture of the Washington, D.C. snipers.
2002: Edward R. Murrow Award for D.C. Sniper Coverage
In 2002, Don Lemon received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the D.C. area sniper case.
September 2006: Lemon Begins His Controversial Tenure at CNN
Don Lemon officially joined CNN in September 2006. Known for his outspoken nature, Lemon's time at the network was marked by both praise and controversy due to his often-critical commentary on various issues, including the state of cable news and issues affecting the African American community.
2006: Lemon Joins CNN
Don Lemon joined CNN as a correspondent in 2006. This marked the start of his long and, at times, contentious career with the network.
2008: Alleged Beginning of Lemon's Misconduct
The year 2008 marked the alleged beginning of Don Lemon's pattern of misogynistic behavior towards his female colleagues. This marked the start of what was alleged to be years of inappropriate conduct that would eventually come to light in a damaging report.
2009: Recognized by Ebony Magazine
In 2009, Ebony magazine named Don Lemon one of the 150 most influential African Americans.
2011: Publication of Memoir "Transparent"
In 2011, Don Lemon publicly came out as gay in his memoir, "Transparent", becoming one of few openly gay Black men in broadcasting. He also discussed colorism and his experiences with childhood sexual abuse.
2014: "Don Lemon Tonight" Premieres on CNN
Don Lemon began hosting his own primetime show, "Don Lemon Tonight," on CNN in 2014, marking a significant step in his career.
2014: Lemon Begins Hosting on CNN
Don Lemon's career at CNN reached new heights in 2014 when he became the host of "Don Lemon Tonight," a primetime show that further solidified his presence in cable news.
2014: Recognized by The Advocate Magazine
In 2014, Don Lemon was listed as one of the 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media by The Advocate magazine.
2014: Lemon Hosts Special Program on MH370 Disappearance
In the wake of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance in 2014, Don Lemon took on the role of hosting a nightly program on CNN. The program focused on delivering updates, analysis, and expert discussions concerning the tragic event, showcasing Lemon's ability to handle breaking news and complex topics.
March 2016: Lemon Cuts Off Omarosa Newman's Microphone During Interview
During a heated exchange on CNN in March 2016, Don Lemon made the decision to cut off Omarosa Newman's microphone. The incident occurred during an interview that also included Kellyanne Conway, where Newman refused to address Lemon's initial question about a controversial tweet.
December 2016: Awarded Native Son Award
Don Lemon was honored with a Native Son Award in December 2016, in recognition of his visibility and impact as a Black gay man in society.
December 31, 2016: End of Period Analyzed for Domestic Terrorism Data
This date marks the end of the period from which Don Lemon referenced data on domestic terrorism fatalities. The data, which covered September 12, 2001, to December 31, 2016, highlighted the concerning rise of extremist violence during that timeframe.
October 2017: Lemon Receives Death Threats
In October 2017, Don Lemon filed a police report after receiving death threats containing racial slurs.
2017: Named to Out Magazine's Power 50 List
In 2017, Don Lemon was named to Out Magazine's Power 50 list, recognizing the 50 most influential LGBTQ people in the USA.
January 2018: Lemon Calls Trump Racist on Air
Don Lemon sparked controversy in January 2018 when he openly labeled then-President Donald Trump as "racist" during a live broadcast of "CNN Tonight." This bold statement came following Trump's controversial remarks referring to certain countries as "shitholes," further intensifying the existing political divide.
January 31, 2018: Death of Don Lemon's Sister
Don Lemon's sister, L'Tanya "Leisa" Lemon Grimes, died on January 31, 2018, at the age of 58 in an accidental drowning incident.
October 2018: Lemon Sparks Backlash with Comments on Domestic Terrorism
Don Lemon ignited a firestorm of criticism in October 2018 when he asserted that white supremacist terrorism posed a greater threat to the United States than terrorism from abroad. His comments, made during a conversation with Chris Cuomo, were met with accusations of "race-baiting" from conservative circles.
June 2019: Named to Queerty's Pride50
In June 2019, during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Don Lemon was named to Queerty's Pride50, acknowledging his role in promoting equality and acceptance for LGBTQ people.
May 2021: Lemon and Chris Cuomo Launch "The Handoff" Podcast
Don Lemon and fellow CNN journalist Chris Cuomo teamed up to launch a podcast called "The Handoff" in May 2021. This venture explored their perspectives on politics and personal experiences, providing listeners with a blend of news commentary and personal insights.
February 2022: Lemon Gets CNN+ Show
Don Lemon was tapped to host "The Don Lemon Show" for CNN's new streaming service, CNN+, in February 2022. The show was part of CNN's efforts to expand its digital offerings.
April 2022: Lemon's "The Don Lemon Show" Airs on CNN+
Don Lemon's talk show, "The Don Lemon Show," debuted on CNN+ in April 2022. However, the streaming service was short-lived, shutting down just a month after its launch.
September 15, 2022: Lemon Chosen to Co-Anchor New CNN Morning Show
In a significant shake-up, CNN announced on September 15, 2022, that Don Lemon would be joining forces with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow to co-anchor a brand new morning show. This move signaled a shift in CNN's programming strategy and Lemon's role within the network.
October 12, 2022: CNN's New Morning Show Announced as "CNN This Morning"
CNN revealed the title of its revamped morning show as "CNN This Morning" on October 12, 2022. The show, featuring Don Lemon, Kaitlan Collins, and Poppy Harlow, aimed to bring a fresh perspective to morning news coverage.
December 2022: Lemon's Comments on Gender and Sports Spark Controversy
In December 2022, Don Lemon found himself embroiled in controversy after making on-air remarks about pay disparity in women's sports, suggesting that men's sports garnered higher interest. His comments, made during a discussion with his "CNN This Morning" co-anchors, were deemed sexist by many, leading to further criticism of his views on gender.
2022: Lemon's Role Shifts on CNN
Don Lemon's role on CNN shifted in 2022, marking the end of his run as the host of "Don Lemon Tonight." This change came amidst broader programming changes at the network.
February 19, 2023: Lemon's Comments About Nikki Haley Draw Accusations of Sexism
Don Lemon faced significant criticism on February 19, 2023, after making on-air comments deemed sexist toward Nikki Haley, who was 51 at the time. Lemon stated that Haley "isn't in her prime," adding that a woman's prime is in her "20s and 30s and maybe 40s." The backlash was swift, with many condemning his remarks as inappropriate and ageist. Lemon later apologized for his comments.
April 2023: Lemon Faces Allegations of Misogynistic Behavior
A bombshell report from Variety in April 2023 brought to light serious allegations of misogynistic conduct by Don Lemon toward female colleagues, spanning back to 2008. The accusations included making inappropriate remarks and exhibiting hostile behavior, painting a troubling picture of his interactions with women in the workplace. Lemon vehemently denied the allegations, but the damage was done, casting a dark shadow over his reputation.
April 2023: Lemon's Controversial Departure From CNN
Don Lemon's tenure at CNN ended with his firing in April 2023, following a series of on-air controversies and accusations of misogynistic behavior.
April 2023: Lemon's Tenure on "CNN This Morning" Ends With His Firing
Don Lemon's time as co-anchor of "CNN This Morning" was cut short due to his firing in April 2023. His departure followed a series of controversies and allegations, ultimately leading to the end of his run on the show.
April 24, 2023: Don Lemon Fired from CNN
On April 24, 2023, Don Lemon was unexpectedly fired from CNN, despite his contract running until 2026. The network cited declining viewership and difficulties booking guests as reasons for his termination. Lemon claimed he was not informed in person.
2023: Lemon's Time at CNN Ends
After several on-air controversies and accusations, Don Lemon's time at CNN came to an end with his firing in April 2023.
January 9, 2024: Don Lemon Show Cancelled by Elon Musk
Announced on January 9, 2024, "The Don Lemon Show" on X, featuring Elon Musk as its first guest, was abruptly cancelled by Musk after filming but before airing. The interview, covering topics like lawsuits against Musk and his views on immigration, was later released on YouTube and as a podcast.
April 6, 2024: Lemon Marries Tim Malone
Don Lemon married his partner, real estate agent Tim Malone, on April 6, 2024, in New York City. They began dating in 2017.