CNN’s Don Lemon was once again reportedly absent from his typical morning lineup on Monday, owing to backlash over comments he made about Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley in 2024.
Lemon was missing for only one working day after being replaced by Audia Cornish in the Friday morning lineup.
Lemon’s Friday absence was made known on Thursday, with the hosts announcing at the close of the program that there would be a special treat since Don’s going to be off.
Lemon’s removal from the Monday program was purposeful, according to two unidentified sources.
“There are ongoing conversations about Don’s future. He is a constant distraction.” a source told the Daily Beast.
On Thursday, Lemon made waves when he weighed in on former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley’s request for obligatory mental acuity testing for elected individuals over the age of 75.
Lemon described the proposal as “uncomfortable” and stated that Nikki Haley was no longer in her “prime.”
“Sorry, when a woman is considered to be in her prime [is] in [her] 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.” Lemon said during the segment.
Lemon subsequently apologized, calling his remarks “inartful and irrelevant.”
A CNN representative denied that Lemon is off the air as a result of the incident.
“He’s been chased by paparazzi all weekend. He’s been under attack. He’s not ready to go back on air.” the representative reportedly said.
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