Ex-CNN host Don Lemon explained why he doesn’t “believe in platforming liars and bigots” in his first sit-down interview since the network fired him in April. (Watch below.)
Lemon, in an interview with ABC’s Memphis, Tennessee, affiliate, opened up about his journalism philosophy after reporter Rudy Williams asked about concerns over his CNN departure.
“I have a responsibility, not only as a journalist but as an American, to tell the truth and to abide by the promises of the Constitution — because the Constitution says a more perfect union, not a perfect union,” said Lemon.
“I’m not a perfect person, no one is,” Lemon continued. “In order to fulfill the promise of the Constitution, we have to stand up for what is right. We have to stand up for the truth.”
The firing followed his sexist “prime” comments about 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, his tense debate with GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and a Variety exposé that detailed Lemon’s alleged misogyny toward co-workers. Lemon and CNN disputed the allegations.
“I don’t believe in platforming liars and bigots, insurrectionists and election deniers, and putting them on the same footing as people who are telling the truth, people who are fighting for what’s right, people who are abiding by the Constitution,” Lemon said.
“I think that would be a dereliction of journalistic duty to do those sorts of things.”
CNN this month parted ways with CEO Chris Licht, who faced criticism over a number of controversies, including those involving Lemon.
Lemon, who was at CNN for 17 years, added that isn’t “going to force anything” as far as his future is concerned.
“I’m not going to let other people’s timeline influence me. I know people say, ‘I miss you on television. What is your next move?’ I’m figuring that out,” Lemon said.
“I don’t have to be in a rush. I think people rush to make decisions and they end up making the wrong the decisions. ... I’m not rushing into anything.”