Longtime CNN host Don Lemon fired

Longtime CNN host Don Lemon was fired on Monday, a move that quickly escalated into a public dispute.

CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht announced the departure after Lemon had co-hosted his morning show on Monday, describing it as a parting of ways. However, Lemon characterized it as a firing and expressed surprise at the decision.

“After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon said.

CNN, in response, stated that Lemon was given the opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter. The network did not provide any public explanation for Lemon’s dismissal.

Lemon had been hosting the prime-time show “Don Lemon Tonight,” but moved to the morning show when CNN launched “CNN This Morning” in November of last year.

Lemon revealed that he learned of his firing from his agent and expressed disappointment, stating, “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.”

The departure of the well-known host has raised questions and garnered attention, but CNN has not disclosed further details about the decision to let Lemon go.