CNN This Morning host Don Lemon faced backlash last Thursday (February 16th) after commentating on Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's age. The 56-year-old news anchor has been absent from the show and has participated in "formal training," according to People. The network has announced that Lemon will be returning on-air this week. The controversy initially transpired after Lemon remarked that Haley was "past her prime."
During a conversation with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, the trio discussed the former governor of South Carolina's previous claim that politicians above 75 years old should be forced to take a mental competency test. Initially, Lemon commented on how the conversation about age made him "uncomfortable." However, he was quick to add in his two bits by saying, "Nikki Haley isn't in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in her 20s and 30s and maybe 40s."
Lemon Publicizes Apology On Twitter
Correspondingly, Lemon received criticism for his "sexist" and "ageist" remarks. Soon after, the TV journalist took to Twitter to issue an apology. "The reference I made to a woman’s 'prime' this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it," he wrote. "A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day."
People also reported that the network chairman Chris Licht had personally discussed the issue with Lemon, as revealed by a memo released to CNN's staff. The same statement announced Lemon's upcoming return to CNN This Morning. It read, "he has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously. It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes."
Lemon's Controversial Comments
According to the Times, Lemon also issued an apology to his CNN colleagues, stating, "I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt anyone. I did not mean to offend anyone." Following his several-day hiatus, Lemon will return to CNN This Morning tomorrow (February 22nd). For more updates to circulating controversies, don't forget to check out HNHH.