Don Lemon Vivek Ramaswamy Interview

CNN anchor Don Lemon was fired from the network, allegedly due to an on-air exchange with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy commented on the freedoms of Black Americans in the post-Civil War era, which Lemon claimed were insulting to him as a Black American. The incident left several CNN leaders exasperated. Ramaswamy said their exchange played a role in the “sound decision” by CNN to let him go.

Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital that any network that wants to foster open debate should embrace the principle of not restricting what someone can say based on their skin color. He also speculated that CNN’s firing of Lemon is a sign that “we’re on the cusp of national cultural revival.” He hopes CNN may be going through a similar transformation as Netflix did when they stood behind Dave Chappelle’s comedy special following uproar from staffers.

Ramaswamy has been working to transform corporate culture in the US to embrace true diversity of thought. He believes this will be better for companies and the country. He engages in dialogue with those who disagree with him, including networks outside of conservative media, because he thinks it’s important to air hypocrisies that don’t get aired.

Following what ended up being his final appearance on “CNN This Morning” on Monday, Lemon took to Twitter with the shocking revelation that he was fired by the network. CNN, however, pushed back at Lemon’s characterization of what transpired, saying that he was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.

Lemon’s termination followed a streak of controversies and viewership blunders. His poorly-watched two-hour solo show in primetime was pulled by Licht for a revamped morning show with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, which was also met with dismal ratings. Lemon was the subject of a bombshell exposé in Variety earlier this month that documented years-long allegations of misogyny towards women at the network.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Lemon and CNN.

Published by HOLR Magazine.