Former CNN host Don Lemon has reportedly reached a separation deal worth approximately $24.5 million, nearly a year after leaving the network.
The settlement allegedly matches what Lemon would have earned if he had completed his contract, which had three-and-a-half years remaining at the time of his firing, The Wrap reported.
CNN has denied the reported settlement, stating that the specifics of employee contracts are not disclosed, and they label the story as inaccurate.
“While we never comment on specifics of any employee contract, this story is incorrect,” a spokesperson told The Post.
Lemon was terminated in April after a turbulent tenure as a morning show co-host, with the decision made by then-CEO Chris Licht.
“I am stunned after 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon wrote on social media.
JUST IN: report says Don Lemon, who blasted Nikki Haley, for not being 'in her prime' while calling other politicians old, will be paid $24.5M to settle firing from CNN pic.twitter.com/DvSyrHpWFm
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) February 27, 2024
“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,” he added. “It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
Lemon expressed shock at his dismissal, stating he was blindsided and learned of it through his agent.
Despite his departure from CNN, Lemon is preparing to launch his own show, “The Don Lemon Show,” on Elon Musk’s X platform.
