(Abdul–Rahman Oladimeji Bello, Headline USA) CNN insiders and employees have expressed displeasure at the network’s constant support for ratings-challenged host Don Lemon. CNN, on many occasions, has shown questionable support for the host despite the negative attention he creates.
Fox News reported that CNN’s latest defense of the host came after Variety published a scandalous report about him last week. The report included numerous accusations against the anchor, including sending threatening texts to a co-worker via a burner phone and exhibiting misogynistic behaviors.
In response, CNN distributed a statement made by the anchor’s spokesperson. The statement blasted Variety’s report, noting that it was “riddled with patently false anecdotes” and “based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip.” Fox News noted that CNN went the extra mile to support Lemon by emphasizing that he denied all claims and has also appeared on CNN This Morning.
A media insider who once worked with the network is puzzled that CNN has shown so much support for the embattled host, who only seems to bring unnecessary attention.
The industry executive told Fox News, “Well before the Variety article appeared, it’s been one of the biggest mysteries in TV news why CNN keeps Don Lemon around. He rates poorly, he is a source of constant embarrassment, and his new morning show is an unqualified disaster.”
“Now his long history of degrading women has been laid bare. What mysterious hold does he have over his bosses that explains his longevity?” the insider wondered.
According to Fox, many other employees at CNN are also taken aback at the network’s unwavering support for the host, as one said that Lemon has mostly only done “moronic things.”
Eric Schiffer, a crisis management guru in the media and sports industry, suspected that CNN’s defense for the host might be due to “legal vulnerabilities.” Schiffer’s suspicion comes as Lemon clarified that he does not mind taking others to court. He is reportedly filing a lawsuit against Variety over its report.
“It will be Don’s behavior that takes himself out or not moving forward. He needs to get a grip on his behavior, or he’ll be ‘Done’ Lemon,” Schiffer said. “He’s got to align with the expectations of leadership, or he sets himself on fire.”
