CNN CEO Chris Licht shared he had a conversation with host Don Lemon following remarks he made about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Licht sent a memo Monday night after 10:30 p.m. and shared what they discussed, The New York Times noted.
Brian Stelter, formerly of CNN, posted the contents of the memo on Twitter.
“I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously,” Licht said.
He added, “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with a fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday.”
Licht's memo continues: "It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with a fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday." (2/2)
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 21, 2023
Lemon landed himself in hot water after suggesting Haley is not “in her prime.”
He explained, “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”
Co-host Poppy Harlow then asked, “Prime for what?”
She added, “I think we need to qualify. Are you talking about prime for childbearing or are you talking about prime for being president?”
He replied, “Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are. Google it.”
Lemon later took to Twitter to speak out on the incident.
“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. A woman’s age doesn’t define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day,” Lemon wrote.
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. A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) February 16, 2023
A CNN spokesman also said on Monday night “the company has a number of resources and Don is committed to our recommendation,” per the Times.
CNN insiders spoke to Fox News about why they believe Lemon is not worth keeping on the network.
One insider told Fox News Lemon has “no defenders” inside the network and everyone is still “pissed.”
According to the insider, if Lemon was forced out of the company, “It would probably be welcomed by a lot of people. I think there’s an array of people who maybe like him personally, not professionally.”
Another insider was asked if Lemon was well-liked at CNN.
The insider responded, “Not anymore.”
A third insider explained, “I think he should bust his a** to make the morning show work. Drop all ego. Play well with others.”
