Former CNN anchor Don Lemon shares his controversial support for disgraced TV host Matt Lauer on a recent podcast appearance.
According to Daily Mail, Lemon claimed on The Hollywood Raw podcast that women still admire Lauer despite his 2017 firing from NBC over sexual harassment allegations.
The 58-year-old Lemon revealed his close friendship with Lauer developed after the latter's departure from Today. They frequently socialize together, with Lauer and his fiancée Shamin Abas joining Lemon and his husband Tim Malone for dinner outings. The relationship has grown so close that Lauer attended Lemon's wedding to Malone in April 2024.
Lemon shared his views on potential career revival opportunities for Lauer. He suggested that digital platforms could offer Lauer a path to return to broadcasting on his own terms.
Speaking on the podcast, Lemon expressed confidence that audiences would welcome Lauer back to their screens.
During the podcast discussion, Lemon offered this observation about public reactions to Lauer:
Whenever I see Matt out and about... if we go out to dinner my husband and I go out to dinner with him and his fiancée... people love him. Women love him. They're like, 'Man - oh my God - can I get a picture? I love you. I miss you on television. Blah blah blah'
The ex-CNN personality theorized that resistance to Lauer's return comes primarily from industry insiders rather than viewers. He emphasized that Lauer's broadcasting talents make him naturally suited for television work.
Lemon connected potential changes in public sentiment to broader cultural shifts. He suggested that Donald Trump's second presidency might indicate a weakening of cancel culture, potentially creating openings for controversial figures to return to prominence.
When asked about Lauer's absence from platforms like YouTube, Lemon declined to speculate on personal reasons. However, he praised Lauer's natural broadcasting abilities, comparing him to talk show host Wendy Williams in terms of raw talent.
Lemon added these thoughts about Lauer's inherent abilities:
Let me say this - there are certain people who are meant to do what they are doing. Do you know what I mean? Who are just really, really good at it. There are certain people who are on television where you feel like, well, 'That's exactly what they should be doing'
Don Lemon offered strong support for Matt Lauer's potential media comeback during his appearance on The Hollywood Raw podcast.
Speaking with hosts Dax Holt and Adam Glyn, Lemon claimed that while industry insiders remain hesitant, public audiences would welcome Lauer's return to broadcasting.
The former CNN anchor's advocacy for Lauer comes amid ongoing discussions about accountability and redemption in the entertainment industry, particularly as cultural attitudes continue to evolve in the Trump era.
