Former CNN anchor Don Lemon opens up about his challenging experiences during his 17-year tenure at the network, addressing sensitive workplace incidents.
According to the New York Post, Lemon disclosed during Bill Maher's "Club Random" podcast that he faced sexual harassment from both male and female colleagues at CNN, including an incident where a female coworker touched his nipples inappropriately.
During the two-hour podcast conversation on Monday, Lemon shared multiple instances of workplace harassment. He described an encounter in CNN's Atlanta headquarters cafeteria where a female colleague pinched his nipples while making comments about the temperature. Another incident involved a female coworker who made unwanted advances during an off-site event while going through a divorce.
The former anchor explained his decision not to report these incidents to human resources, citing concerns about power dynamics and potential career implications. He emphasized the existence of double standards in handling harassment cases between men and women in the workplace. Lemon acknowledged that being a man gave him more confidence to reject unwanted advances without fear of serious consequences.
The television personality connected these workplace experiences to his childhood trauma, revealing that he had been molested during his younger years. This personal history influenced his approach to handling harassment situations at CNN, preferring direct confrontation over formal complaints.
Lemon expressed his belief in addressing such situations personally rather than pursuing official channels. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a perspective on power dynamics and handling uncomfortable situations diplomatically.
During his final months at CNN, Lemon faced criticism for several controversial incidents involving female colleagues. His comment about presidential candidate Nikki Haley's age and prime sparked significant backlash, leading to a public apology to his coworkers.
Entertainment magazine Variety published allegations of Lemon's misogynistic behavior toward female colleagues, including Soledad O'Brien, Kyra Phillips, and Nancy Grace. The report claimed he questioned O'Brien's racial identity and exhibited threatening behavior toward Phillips.
Lemon's representative strongly denied these allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated. Shortly after the Variety report's publication, CNN terminated Lemon's employment in April 2023.
Lemon shared his perspective on harassment with Bill Maher, stating:
I've been harassed by women and men at work. There are some things that are really egregious, but not everything is Harvey Weinstein-level.
The podcast conversation revealed Lemon's complex relationship with workplace dynamics at CNN. He acknowledged the challenges of navigating professional relationships while maintaining boundaries and discussed the importance of addressing inappropriate behavior directly.
Since his departure from CNN, Lemon has launched his own podcast. His recent revelations have sparked discussions about gender dynamics and sexual harassment in media workplaces.
Don Lemon's 17-year career at CNN came to an end in April 2023 following multiple controversies and allegations of misconduct. During his appearance on Bill Maher's podcast, he revealed previously undisclosed instances of sexual harassment he experienced while working at the network. These revelations add another layer to the ongoing discussions about workplace behavior and power dynamics in major media organizations. The former anchor has since transitioned to hosting his own podcast, while his allegations against former colleagues remain unaddressed by CNN representatives.
