Hey there, friends. Let’s talk about the man who’s been a staple on our screens for years—Don Lemon. Before his unexpected exit from CNN on April 24, the television host had built an impressive career and amassed a substantial net worth. Known for his work on Don Lemon Tonight and CNN This Morning, Lemon's contributions to journalism have left an undeniable mark on the industry.
So, What’s Don Lemon’s Net Worth Anyway?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lemon's net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. Now, that’s not too shabby, right? He’s been pulling in a salary of about $4 million annually from his work at CNN. Don’s journey in journalism didn’t start at the big leagues, though. Hailing from Louisiana, he began his career working at Fox and NBC affiliates before landing a spot on the big screen. Along the way, he became a correspondent for Today and NBC Nightly News, proving that hard work and determination can take you places.
Fast forward to 2006, and Don joined CNN, quickly becoming a household name. He wasn’t without his fair share of controversies, though. In February 2023, he was temporarily removed from his hosting duties after making some questionable comments about politician Nikki Haley. But hey, even the best of us make mistakes. Lemon owned up to his error, issuing an apology that showcased his integrity. “When I make a mistake, I own it,” he said, demonstrating that accountability is key in any profession.
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And then, in February 2024, Don reportedly secured a $24.5 million settlement from CNN in a lawsuit, according to TheWrap. That’s a pretty significant win, showing that standing up for yourself can lead to substantial rewards.
Why Was Don Lemon Let Go From CNN?
Lemon dropped the bombshell news about his departure from CNN in a tweet, leaving fans and colleagues shocked. “I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,” he wrote. Can you imagine how that must have felt? After nearly two decades with the network, you’d think someone in management would have had the decency to break the news in person, right? But alas, that wasn’t the case.
Don continued, “After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had 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. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”
CNN didn’t stay silent for long. In a statement, CNN CEO Chris Licht expressed gratitude for Lemon’s contributions. “Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years,” Licht said. “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
Interestingly, Lemon began hosting CNN This Morning in November 2022 when the program first launched. Despite the sudden news of his termination, Licht remains optimistic about the show’s future. “We are committed to its success,” he emphasized, showing that the network is looking ahead with determination.
