'Didn't deserve a penny': Outrage as Don Lemon receives $24.5M severance from CNN following abrupt firing

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The world of cable news was rocked this week by the revelation that controversial anchor Don Lemon stands to receive $24.5 million in severance pay following his abrupt firing from CNN last year, as per PEOPLE.

The eye-popping dollar amount, which equals what Lemon would have earned during the remaining years of his contract, has sparked outrage across social media. Critics blast the rich exit package as a reward rather than punishment for the anchor's history of partisan punditry and ethical controversies.

Don Lemon had been with CNN for 17 years before abrupt firing in April 2023

The move came shortly after Lemon was pulled from his morning show, 'CNN This Morning,' for making controversial remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley being "past her prime."

Despite apologizing and undergoing formal training, Lemon gave a confrontational interview in March with another Republican contender, Vivek Ramaswamy. This final incident was reportedly the last straw for CNN executives already frustrated with Lemon’s behavior.

In a tweet announcing his termination, Lemon wrote, "I was informed this morning by my agent I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned." CNN fired back that Lemon had misrepresented the situation and had been offered a chance to meet with management before releasing his statement.

Don Lemon is getting back to news with a self-titled newscast on social media

Lemon has long been one of CNN’s highest-profile anchors, known for his outspoken views and acerbic interview style. He rose to prominence anchoring primetime and special event coverage.

However, Lemon frequently sparked backlash with provocative statements about political figures and hot-button issues. The Haley incident was just the latest in a string of remarks that brought him negative attention.

After Lemon's exit, his former co-host Kaitlan Collins took over the 9 pm slot previously held by Chris Cuomo. Lemon was replaced on the morning show by Phil Mattingly.

Earlier this month, Mattingly and Poppy Harlow ended their run as CNN pulled the plug on the troubled morning program. Meanwhile, Lemon announced last month he is launching a self-titled newscast that will stream on social media. 'The Don Lemon Show' debuts March 11.

Internet outraged upon learning about the $24.5 million settlement

Upon learning about the $24.5 million settlement, the online community erupted with outrage. One Facebook user didn't mince words, labeling Lemon as a "vile human." Another user, taking a cynical perspective, remarked, "Apparently being bad at your job has its rewards."

A third user took a more direct stance, suggesting, "He should have paid CNN. He is a horrible anchor. He didn't deserve a penny." Echoing this sentiment, another person bluntly stated, "Why? He sucked."

The disapproval continued as a fifth user asserted, "He isn't worth a dime of it!" Meanwhile, a sixth user expressed a more extreme viewpoint, declaring, "Anything over $100 bucks was grand theft."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.