Don Lemon released a public apology following a controversial statement about former South Carolina Nikki Haley’s announcement that she was running for President.
During the CNN’s “This Morning” episode on February 16, Don Lemon criticized Haley’s decision to run for president, arguing that the latter needs to take a mental competency first before serving as the discussion revolved around Haley’s belief that politicians over the age of 75 need to take this step before serving.
Don Lemon also claimed that the former governor should be careful with what she was wishing for because she is not “in her prime” which sparked outrage and harsh backlash from the netizens.
Following the post, on the same day, Lemon tweeted a public apology.
According to Lemon, he regretted his words earlier that day while trying to backtrack on his previous comments, claiming that “age doesn’t define” a woman “personally or professionally.”
After that, Lemon did not appear in the following CNN shows for days and only returned on February 22.
I appreciate the opportunity to be back on @CNNThisMorning today. To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better.
See you soon.— Don Lemon (@donlemon) February 22, 2023
Prior to his appearance on air, the host posted another apology, saying “I appreciate the opportunity to be back on @CNNThisMorning today. To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better. See you soon.”
Moreover, in response to Lemon’s controversial statement, renowned Actress Patricia Heaton, blasted the CNN host and posted a thread on Twitter the next day.
In the post, Heaton listed almost all her accomplishments at the age post 50 while encouraging other women to post similar threads themselves which they did.
“Hey Ladies – @donlemon thinks women over 50 are past their prime! Let’s start #primetime and list some of the things we’ve accomplished in these glorious later years. I’ll start: Produced the comedy feature Unexpected (available on iTunes/AmazinPrime).” Heaton said.
Furthermore, Haley also blasted Lemon’s controversial statements, implying that the remark was “sexist.”
According to Haley, “Liberals just don’t like the idea that older politicians prove their mental fortitude before serving in government. If the politician gets her way, the mental capacity test would apply to her competitor, Trump, who will soon be 77.”
