WATCH: Don Lemon promises he’s not mad at CNN
Luke Gentile
Video Embed
Don Lemon promised reporters Wednesday he is not angry at CNN following his ousting after 17 years with the network.
“No, no,” Lemon said after being asked if he was still shocked over his firing. “I’m a very resilient person. I’ve had a very full life with lots of twists and turns. I come from strong, sturdy stock in Louisiana, and I am lucky enough to be in a position where I don’t have to worry about, you know, not having a place to live or a home.”
WATCH: KARI LAKE RECALLS HEATED CONFRONTATION WITH MIKA BRZEZINSKI AT AIRPORT
The former CNN anchor made the comments at the TIME 100 Gala.
iFrame Object
It is not in his nature to be angry, according to Lemon.
“My emotions are onward,” he said. “There’s a reason that this happened, and we’ll see what happens in the future. But I’m actually here to celebrate the people from TIME 100 and not talk about me or what’s happened to me.”
Lemon said that, as a journalist, he understands why his situation is newsworthy, but he did not want to take away from the individuals being celebrated by TIME.
“I’m here to support the people here,” he said.
Wednesday’s comments were Lemon’s first since announcing his departure on social media Monday.
In a tweet, he said, “It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
CNN was quick to release its own statement contradicting Lemon’s account of his termination.
“Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate,” CNN said. “He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”
Prior to his exit from the network, Lemon had co-hosted CNN This Morning with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, and the pair addressed Lemon’s departure when they opened their show Tuesday.
The two thanked their former co-host for his time at CNN and agreed to “focus on the news.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Don was a big part of the show over the last six months,” Collins said. “He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show. That’s something I’ll obviously never forget.”
“I’m so thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support for nearly 15 years here, and I wish him all good things ahead,” Harlow added. “Kaitlan and I are really proud of this show. We are so proud of the dedicated team that works around the clock to bring you the news every morning, and our priority is you, the viewer, who gratefully welcomes us into your home each morning.”