‘I Don’t Have to Rush to Another Job’

Don Lemon has been accused of many issues, however being camera-shy is actually not one among them.

Days after the previous star anchor was terminated by CNN, Lemon walked a crimson carpet Wednesday night, telling press he’s prepared for his new chapter.

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“I don’t have to rush to another job — even if I want another job,” Lemon stated on the crimson carpet on the Time 100 gala in New York City on Wednesday evening. “I want to work again. But I am lucky enough to be in a position where I don’t have to worry about those things.”

Speaking to numerous media shops on the gala, Lemon was in excessive spirits with a smile on his face, regardless of his departure — and alleged habits within the office, as reported by Variety — dominating headlines.

“I’m doing well, and I’m here to celebrate,” Lemon instructed Entertainment Tonight. “I’m happy to be here… I am happy to be moving in a new direction. I’m going to miss all the talented people and journalists at CNN, who are my friends and who I love, and who I’ve been speaking to… I’m fine, life is good.”

“I think my statement speaks for itself,” Lemon instructed Extra, commenting on his personal phrases following information of the termination. “Yeah, it was a surprise. But life goes on. That’s behind me, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

On Monday, when information broke that CNN had fired Lemon, he issued an announcement saying that he was “stunned” and claimed he was knowledgeable by his agent of his termination.

“After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon stated Monday. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”

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CNN pushed again on Lemon’s assertion, providing a special model of occasions: “Lemon was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter,” the corporate stated.

Lemon’s termination got here after he made now-infamous remarks on his morning present, suggesting that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was previous her “prime,” garnering a torrent of nonstop backlash and undesirable consideration. Then, Variety reported that the anchor’s habits towards girls has been known as into query a number of occasions over the course of his profession. This week, after his termination, a supply instructed Variety that after his past-her-prime feedback, executives had considerations about Lemon’s capability to join with audiences, bookers have been having hassle lining up sure friends and ad-sales execs at company dad or mum Warner Bros. Discovery confronted headwinds when attempting to safe sponsors for this system.

On Wednesday evening, Lemon dodged particular questions relating to the ins-and-outs of his departure from CNN.

When requested by Extra, “Are you going after the company?” Lemon as an alternative gave a preview of his close to future.

“I’m going to spend my summer on the beach and on the boat and with my family, and just chill out and then I’ll see what happens next,” he stated. “I am excited for a new chapter because life is short, and whatever life hands you, you have to bob-and-weave and do it… I’m a survivor.”

Asked by Time, “What influence have you left at CNN?” Lemon responded, “Why don’t you ask my colleagues? I think they’ll probably have a good answer.”

Speaking to a gaggle of reporters on the red carpet, Lemon put all of it in perspective and spoke about a few of the challenges he has confronted in his life, noting the tragic demise of his sister in 2018 and dropping his father younger from diabetes. “Listen, I didn’t lose my job. I lost my sister. A job is something that is not as important as a person,” Lemon stated. “I know what’s important in life.”

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