The Cable News Network (CNN) has fired its longtime host, Don Lemon .
In a memo to staff, the Network CEO, Chris Licht said âDon will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years.
âWe wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavours.â
However, in a statement on Monday, Lemon described his sack as shocking.
âI was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned,â he said.
âAfter 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.
âAt 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.
âIt is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.â
Reacting to Lemonâs claims, the CNN CEO said the anchorâs version of events was inaccurate.
He said Lemon âwas offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter