Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is making headlines again, but not for hard-hitting journalism. Instead, his latest public stunts have sparked concern among former colleagues and fans, with insiders claiming the ousted newsman is spiraling.
Erratic Antics Leave Onlookers Puzzled
Lemon, who was fired from CNN in April 2023 after making controversial on-air remarks, appears to be desperately seeking attention, sources say. His latest move involved plastering New York City with fliers inviting people to a supposed “birthday party.” The invitation, which featured a sketch of balloons and a microphone with the initials “DL,” turned out to be for a livestream rather than an actual event.
A former colleague criticized the spectacle, saying Lemon no longer acts like a journalist but more like a reality TV star who craves drama. Others in the media were even harsher, with one insider declaring that Lemon has been spiraling and another bluntly calling his behavior “mental.”
Just days before the birthday stunt, Lemon left subway riders baffled when he knocked on train windows in Times Square and showed commuters images of Donkey from the animated movie Shrek alongside a blue-tinted picture of himself. Witnesses were left questioning what he was trying to accomplish, with one bystander asking if he was okay.
Once a CNN Star, Now a Media Outcast?
Lemon was once one of CNN’s most prominent faces, reportedly earning millions before his firing. Now, without the structure of a major network, he appears to be embracing an unpredictable and erratic persona.
A former colleague suggested that Lemon’s departure from CNN removed the “guardrails” that kept his behavior in check. “Now we’re seeing the real Don, and it’s not pretty,” the source said.
Lemon has also ignited a heated feud with former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. After MSNBC’s Joy Reid was fired, Kelly criticized the journalist, calling her “the absolute worst person on television.” Lemon fired back, reminding Kelly of her own failed stint at NBC. In a fiery video response, he told Kelly to “go f*** yourself” while emphasizing his decades of experience as a journalist and person of color.
Industry insiders believe Lemon’s latest actions will make it even harder for him to land another network television job. “He’s making a fool of himself,” a source said. “The man needs help.”
With no clear path back to mainstream media, Lemon’s future remains uncertain. While his name still generates buzz, it’s unclear if his unpredictable antics will revive his career or further damage his reputation.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.